A CARVED TRANSLUCENT AMETHYST SNUFF BOTTLE, 1750-1850

Very rare, almost flawless amethyst of pale purple color, with a smooth surface polish.

China, 1750-1850

Of rounded rectangular form with flat top and recessed oval foot surrounded by a foot rim, the narrow sides crisply carved with mask-and-ring handles, the translucent stone of pale purple color suffused with vapor-like inclusions.
Crystalline quartz, whether colorless or of this amethyst variety, is sometimes found with a delicate network of markings resembling cracked ice or sea-spray. These appear here and are found on other bottles of the same group. The Chinese, with their passion for natural materials would have seen these "flaws" as inspiration for design and once filled with snuff, the inclusions would become more distinct, creating an abstract work of art.

Shape: Rounded rectangular
Hollowing: Excellent, in perfect symmetry with the outer shape
Mouth, neck and lip: Tapered cylindric neck with flat top
Base: Oval foot surrounded by a flat, broad foot rim
Stopper: White jadeite with splashes of emerald green, spoon
Height of the bottle with stopper: 7,3 cm.
Width of the mouth: 7 mm.
Width of the neck: 19 mm.
Weight: 63,5 grams
Condition: Good condition, neck, lip and bottom rim with some microscopic nibbling and one tiny chip. Surface scratches
Provenance: American private collection

Literature comparison: See a slightly larger, but otherwise very similar bottle, Moss, Graham, Tsang, The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle. The J & J Collection, no. 102.

Auction result comparison: The Meriem Collection Important Chinese Snuff Bottles. Christies, New York, 19 September 2007, lot 678. (for another very similar bottle)

精雕紫晶鼻烟壺，1750-1850年
稀有的無暇純色半透明紫晶，表面光滑磨光
品質完善
美國私人收藏