A snuff cup is a small container traditionally used for holding and consuming snuff which is finely ground tobacco popular during the 17th and 18th centuries particularly in Europe snuff cups were often crafted from materials like silver porcelain or glass and featured intricate designs they were used by the upper class as snuff taking was a fashionable activity at the time these cups usually had a lid to keep the snuff from spilling and often included a small spoon or applicator for easy use the practice of using snuff became widespread during the reign of King Louis XIV of France and later spread to England Scandinavia and other parts of the world snuff cups were often personalized with engravings or monograms making them valuable as both functional items and decorative pieces today snuff cups are considered antiques and collectors items reflecting the rich history of tobacco culture and the social customs of past centuries