A CARVED AMBER SNUFF BOTTLE
1750-1850
Of tapering, rectangular form with shoulders sloping to a cylindrical neck, and with a neatly carved oval footrim, very well-hollowed, of a clear, rich, honey brown, the two narrow sides with mock mask-and-ring handles; stopper.
2 1/2in (6.3cm) high
Footnotes:
1750-1850 琥珀刻舖首啣環鼻煙壺一件

Provenance:
Hartman Rare Art, New York, 1977
Joan and Ted Dorf Collection, no. 167

Much of the most highly prized amber is transparent, in contrast to the very common cloudy and opaque amber. The main source of this type of amber, known as jinbo was Burma. Amber was an easy material to carve, however it is clear why the carver left this bottle undecorated. The material is a beautiful color; it can be held in the hand and appreciated for the tactile quality that amber has.