Colossal · Creativity & design

Hannah Lim's Sculptural Snuff Bottles Reinterpret Chinoiserie

Artist Hannah Lim draws on her British-Singaporean heritage and historical Chinese art to create large-scale, anthropomorphized sculptures inspired by traditional snuff bottles.

Lim's work engages with Chinoiserie, a European trend that appropriated Asian motifs for Western markets. She aims to reclaim and reimagine this practice, drawing inspiration from specific cultural styles and processes.

Traditional snuff bottles, popular in China from the 17th century, were small, ornate containers for powdered tobacco. Lim's sculptures, several inches tall, are significantly larger and often require two hands to hold.

Each of Lim's sculptures features a hidden hanging charm within the lid, referencing the tiny spoon used with traditional snuff bottles. The artist uses polymer clay and Jesmonite, along with chalk, acrylic paint, and gloss.

Motifs in her work are inspired by mythological writings, particularly the ancient Chinese text "The Classic of Mountains and Seas," which describes fantastical creatures and landscapes.

Lim is exploring new materials, including metal and laser-cut elements, and is also creating bespoke frames that extend her paintings. She has upcoming exhibitions in Bath and Paris, and a public artwork planned for London.

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