The Meriem Collection Part II. Lot 240

240
**A FINE MOSS AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE
1750-1850
Of compressed form with slightly concave lip and recessed convex foot surrounded by a splayed footrim, the very wellhollowed stone with dense moss-like green inclusions extending across the upper and lower sections of one main side suggestive of a squirrel beneath foliage, the other main side with a large area extending diagonally upwards from the lower left corner to the shoulder, with a smaller area of green inclusion along the lower right corner, suggestive of a goose beneath ferns, the narrow sides carved with mask-and-ring handles, tourmaline stopper with gilt-metal collar
5.9 cm. high
$3,000-4,000

P R O V E N A N C E :
Hugh Moss Ltd.

Dendritic chalcedony of the type known as “moss agate” is characterized by a series of moss-like suffusions spread irregularly throughout the stone. These may also be green, yellowish-gold, red or blue.

The colorful, variegated markings of moss-agate bottles invite a wealth of interpretive imagery. The spectacular coloring and markings make this bottle one of the most exciting of its type.

The Meriem Collection Part II. Lot 240