The Meriem Collection Part II. Lot 244

244
**AN AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE
1750-1870
Of compressed form with concave lip and recessed oval foot surrounded by a footrim, the translucent stone of pale greyish-beige tone with faint cloud-like markings and random russet inclusions, green chalcedony stopper with gilt-metal collar
6.4 cm. high
$800-1,200

P R O V E N A N C E :
Potter’s Gallery, Vancouver.

The rounded-rectangular form of this bottle became immensely popular in the mid-Qing period. It was particularly favored by jade-carvers wishing to show off the attractive color and surface texture of the material to its best advantage and is also found in a range of agate and other materials, many of which can be associated with Imperial production. As with this example, they are usually extensively and very painstakingly hollowed.

The Meriem Collection Part II. Lot 244