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The Trudy and John Neville Cohen Collection

THE CHINESE SNUFF BOTTLE COLLECTION

With the full descriptions

To Find the Original Large Photographs
 Note the identity (letter and number) found in the description
 

 

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette torch bearer picture snuff bottle with a quartz stopper.

Torch Bearer Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with a quartz stopper.

B41

Chalcedony, pale-beige with mottled darker brown inclusions cleverly utilised to create an image of a dancing figure with sticks in his hands (possibly torches), his grimacing face clearly visible and represented by the natural markings; the bottle of rounded form with a raised oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: pale quartz
Provenance: Estelle Chapman, 1973
Height: 5.4cm

This figure, whether carrying sticks or torches appears to be acting as part of a show or ritual, and is full of animation and realism. A minimum of fuss has been made of the subject matter as the carver has resisted the temptation to over decorate the scene.

 

 

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette five bats and gourd picture snuff bottle with a coral stopper.

Five Bats & Gourd Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with a coral stopper.

B42

Chalcedony, russet colour with darker contrasting inclusions that have been cleverly accentuated by minimal carving to represent five bats and a double gourd, the reverse also with a bat.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: coral on a blue collar
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, 1974
Height: 5.5cm

The bat is the symbol of good fortune as the word for bat fu is phonetically identical to the word for good fortune (fu). Five bats together represent the Five Blessings - a long life, riches, health, love of virtue and a natural death. The double gourd is a replica of heaven and earth and its shape unites the two.

 

 

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette two sages under a tree picture snuff bottle with a coral and metal stopper.

Two Sages Meet by a Tree Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with a coral and metal stopper.

B43

Chalcedony, pale beige colour with a mottled, yellow-ochre skin carved with a scene of two sages meeting by a gnarled tree; the well hollowed bottle of rounded bulbous form.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: coral mounted on metal collar
Provenance: Estelle Chapman, London, 1973
Height: 6.2cm

The restrictions of the natural materials that were used for hard stone snuff bottles were very often the catalyst to inspire the artist, however it is these restrictions sometimes that add character to a work, especially in a case such as this when the natural markings are rather vague. This admirably portrays these two wise old men meeting by an old tree conjuring an image of security and warmth of our later years.

 

 

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette horse and farmer picture snuff bottle with a coral and metal stopper.

Horse & Farmer Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with a coral and metal stopper.

B44

Chalcedony, pale brown with darker brown contrasting inclusions, minimally carved to highlight the silhouette design of a farmer arguing with his horse which is backing away from him, with a palm tree nearby with long fronds blowing in the wind; the well hollowed bottle of rounded form.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: coral on a metal mount
Provenance: Sotheby's, London, 1982
Height: 6cm

This subject has been charmingly executed. The horse has a hind leg lifted in trepidation, knowing that the time has come to be harnessed in order to start the day's work.

Zodiac sign / Horse

 

 

A jasper well hollowed cameo carved pair of storks picture snuff bottle with a rose quartz and glass stopper.

The Reverse: A jasper well hollowed cameo carved pair of storks picture snuff bottle with a rose quartz and glass stopper.

Pair of Storks Bottle



A jasper well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with a rose quartz and glass stopper.

B45

Quartz, jasper predominantly dark green with blue and some mottled creamy white areas with a large central area cleverly carved to depict two storks, the reverse with two bamboo plants.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: pink tourmaline with yellow glass collar
Provenance: Joan Wasserman, London
Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1974
Height: 6.6cm

Each jasper bottle has distinctive colouring and markings - the majority tend to be of the 'bloodstone' variety. This bottle possesses unusual and attractive markings, the natural lighter central 'splash' creating a perfect opportunity for the artist to place the subject in the central area.  The crane is one of the many symbols for longevity, and the bamboo being evergreen and immutable is a symbol for old age.

Bird. Crane.

 

Chalcedony, pale beige snuff bottle with a mottled area of dark russet, carved as a deer about to spring with his front legs raised and his head lifted, under a tree.

Deer & Pine Tree Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed picture snuff bottle with a jade stopper.

B46

Chalcedony, pale beige with a mottled area of dark russet and ochre, ingeniously incorporated to represent a deer under a tree; the deer about to spring from his powerful hind legs with his front legs raised in preparation and his head lifted; the bottle well hollowed.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: Jade
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1978
Height: 6cm

The deer represents the wish for wealth and prosperity.

 

 

A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved tethered horse picture snuff bottle with a green glass and metal stopper.

Tethered Horse Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed picture snuff bottle with a green glass and metal stopper.

B47

Chalcedony, pale russet with a dark-russet skin carved with a bridled horse tethered to a post, its mane realistically represented with carved strokes; the well hollowed bottle of oval form resting on a raised oval foot rim,

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: green glass on metal collar
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1978
Height: 6.4cm

A horse tethered to a post forms a common rebus that expresses a wish for speedy promotion for a deserving young candidate. It was a popular subject in the mid Qing period and appears most often on agate and more rarely on jasper bottles. They are, generally speaking, crisply carved with confidence, and there are rarely poor examples to be found. This is amongst the best.

Zodiac sign / Horse

 

 

Chalcedony snuff bottle, pale grey with a russet brown skin exceptionally well carved to depict a mounted bannerman in full ceremonial regalia, galloping with his banner flowing behind him, with a tourmaline stopper.

Bannerman Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed picture snuff bottle with a tourmaline stopper.

B48

Chalcedony, pale grey with a russet brown skin exceptionally well carved to depict a mounted bannerman in full ceremonial regalia, galloping with his banner flowing behind him; his banner, hat, clothes and the trappings and the naturalistic forms of the horse all brilliantly carved and beneath the horse, a lingzhi; the bulbous bottle exceptionally well hollowed.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: pink tourmaline
Provenance: Ray Thompson
Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1975
Height: 6cm

This is one of the most exceptional snuff bottles depicting this 'official' subject. The Bannerman became a popular subject during the mid-Qing dynasty, and it is thought to represent the victories of the Qianlong Emperor in his military campaigns (the Bannerman is racing back to spread the good news). The artist has grasped this wonderful natural mineral sample with verve and courage intending from the outset to produce an energetic and animated masterpiece, so much so that one can hear and feel the thunderous galloping as one holds it in one hands.

Zodiac sign / Horse.

 

 

A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved white duck picture snuff bottle with an amethyst and metal stopper.

White Duck Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with an amethyst and metal stopper.

B49

Chalcedony, pale grey with a creamy opaque white skin, simply carved to represent a duck, its head looking back over its shoulders, its eye simply incised, below the duck the waves cut from the grey material; the bottle of flattened form with raised oval foot rim and concave mouth.

Chinese, 1750-1850
Stopper: amethyst on metal collar
Provenance: Joan Wasserman collection
Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1974
Height: 6.9cm

This is a simple but extremely effective rendition of the much loved duck, the contrast within the grey agate is perfect and the whole work of art completed with a minimum of fuss - a little digging here, a little incising there - showing again that less is more.

 

 

A chalcedony well hollowed cameo toad and lotus carved picture snuff bottle with a coral and turquoise stopper.

Toad & Lotus Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with a coral and turquoise stopper.

B50

Chalcedony, toffee coloured with a dark green skin carved with three large lotus leaves and a lotus bud, to the lower left is a toad, also carved from the green material, the bottle of rounded form with a raised oval foot.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: carved coral and turquoise collar
Provenance: Bob C. Stevens, sold at Sotheby's, 1979
Illustrated: The Collector's Book of Snuff Bottles by Bob C. Stevens, number 545 and exhibited
(no.129) Mikimoto Catalogue.
Height: 6cm

This is one of a group of agate bottles, all with green skin, which were used to create the subject of the lotus. The distinctive material is well suited to this attractive subject, and the similar style of carving suggests it could be the work of one artist. The lotus is one of the eight Buddhist precious things and is a symbol of purity. The lotus comes out of the mire but is not itself sullied. In Buddhism, the fruit, the flower and the stalk symbolise past present and future.

 

 

A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved squirrel and grapes picture snuff bottle with a coral and enameled metal stopper.

Squirrel & Grapes Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with a coral and enamelled metal stopper.

B51

Chalcedony dark honey colour with an opaque white skin cleverly carved with a squirrel busy on a grape-laden vine, its tail following the upper line of a leaf, above to the right is a bat in flight, the well-hollowed bottle of rounded form.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: coral mounted on metal
Provenance: Hugh Moss, 1974
Height: 6cm

Here the artist uses the white skin and natural mixed colour to great dramatic effect. The subject, a favourite with workshops in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries is to be found in various other materials.

 

 

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette hare picture snuff bottle with abalone on glass imitating jadeite stopper.

The Reverse: A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette hare picture snuff bottle with abalone on glass imitating jadeite stopper.

Hare Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with abalone on glass imitating jadeite stopper.

B52

Chalcedony, of light honey colour with dark brown abstract markings in the centre which under close inspection reveal the silhouette of a rabbit hiding amongst a bush; the well hollowed bottle of rectangular form and sitting on a neat oval footrim.

Chinese,1780-1860
Height: 6cm
Stopper:abalone on glass imitating jadeite
Provenance: Robert Hall, 2000 (Chinese Whispers exhibition 1999 item 63)

This is a masterpiece in illusion. The bottle is well hollowed and delicious in itself but when under close inspection it becomes possible to see the rabbit with his white fur but large black ears and eyes it is a delightful surprise.

The rabbit is the fourth creature of the Chinese Zodiac and is a symbol for longevity.

Zodiac sign / Hare

 

 

A Chalcedony snuff Bottle, pale brown carved with a monkey holding a peach crouching on rocks, a small opaque white area depicts the peach, the reverse with two insects.

Reverse: A Chalcedony snuff Bottle, pale brown carved with a monkey holding a peach crouching on rocks, a small opaque white area depicts the peach, the reverse with two insects.

Monkey & White Peach Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with a jade and metal stopper.

B53

Chalcedony, pale brown with a small opaque white area skillfully carved to depict a monkey holding a peach crouching on rocks, his tail simply carved and fur realistically marked, the reverse with two insects; the well hollowed bottle of rounded form.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: jadeite with chased metal collar
Provenance: S. Marchant, London 1979
Height: 5.3cm

The monkey is the ninth creature of the Chinese Zodiac, and also plays a leading part in South Chinese and Tibetan legend. A monkey is often depicted holding a peach, which is a symbol of longevity and was stolen, according to the legend 'Journey to the West', from the peach garden of Xiwang mu by a monkey, Sun, who later became an Immortal. The peach is also the symbol held by Shulao, the God of longevity.

Zodiac sign / Monkey

 

 

Chalcedony Snuff Bottle, dark honey with a russet translucent skin carved with two fish and a bubble, a third fish on the reverse, with lotus and millet.

Reverse of the Chalcedony Snuff Bottle, dark honey with a russet translucent skin carved with two fish and a bubble, a third fish on the reverse, with lotus and millet.

Pair of Fish Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with a moss agate stopper.

B54

Chalcedony, dark honey with a russet coloured translucent skin carved with two fish and a bubble, the disturbance in the water depicted with a few simple incisions to give extra dimension to the scene; the reverse with a third fish, with lotus and millet; the well-hollowed bottle of rounded form.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: green mottled jadeite on metal collar
Provenance: Lt.Co.B.M.L.Forsyth sold at Christies, London, 1975
Height: 5.5cm

The artist has here created a charming scene with the help nature. The Chinese word for fish yu is phonetically identical with the word for abundance and affluence. Two fish together symbolise marital bliss, and a fish with lotus forms the rebus 'Year after year may you live in affluence'.

The third fish belongs to the "eye - ball group'' described by Hugh Moss (page 56) "Chinese Snuff Bottles of the Silica and Quartz Group.''

 

 

Chalcedony three colour snuff bottle, opaque brown with a russet and black inclusion carved to depict a cavernous cave with a crouched monkey holding a large black peach.

Monkey & Black Peach



A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with a rose quartz stopper.

B55

Chalcedony, opaque brown with a russet and black inclusion carved to depict a cavernous area with a crouched monkey holding a large peach; the well hollowed bottle of bulbous form.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: rose quartz
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1975
Height: 4.9cm

The monkey is the ninth creature of the Chinese Zodiac, and also plays a leading part in South Chinese and Tibetan legend. A monkey is often depicted holding a peach, which is a symbol of longevity and was stolen, according to the legend 'Journey to the West', from the peach garden of Xiwang mu by a monkey, Sun, who later became an Immortal. The peach is also the symbol held by Shulao, the God of longevity. The monkey and peach story is depicted here with great intensity, as the monkey appears to be protecting his prize from within the cave.

Zodiac sign / Monkey

 

 

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Phoenix & Duck Bottle



A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved three colour picture snuff bottle with a jade and ivory stopper.

B56

Chalcedony; dark mottled brown with an opaque white area topped by a caramel inclusion, one side carved with a duck relaxing on a large lotus leaf, the veins of the brown material utilised in the formation of reeds, the other with a phoenix against a flowering prunus, with ruyi nearby; the bottle rounded and well hollowed.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: green jadeite and ivory
Provenance: Mary Wise, U.S.A.
Hugh Moss Chinese Snuff Bottle Exhibition 1974. Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1974
Height: 5.6cm

This is a fascinating mineral sample for the workshops to have been presented with; it gives the artist a double opportunity to excel! The artist has done the material justice, offering two strong scenes that are carved purposefully and imaginatively, making full use of the dynamic material. A special mention must be made of the ingenious use of the natural flaws in the agate providing a strategic part of the design. There is a lot of symbolism and meaning in this bottle. A duck in reeds means 'may you do well in your exams' and a lotus represents purity. A phoenix represents the Empress and prunus the wish for a long life.


Bird.

 

Quartz, hair crystal snuff bottle, with tourmaline needles of varying densities and a mottled opaque creamy white inclusion carved to depict a squirrel below a grape-laden vine.

Reverse: Quartz, hair crystal snuff bottle, with tourmaline needles of varying densities and a mottled opaque creamy white inclusion carved to depict a squirrel below a grape-laden vine.

Squirrel & Grapes Bottle



A hair crystal well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with an agate and metal stopper.

B57

Quartz, hair crystal, with tourmaline needles of varying densities with a mottled opaque creamy white inclusion carved to depict a squirrel below a grape-laden vine; the well hollowed bottle of rectangular form.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: hollowed agate painted inside to imitate jadeite
Provenance: Sotheby's, London, 1973
Height: 7.5

The combination of dense hair crystal and white skin has obviously pleased the artist who has managed to provide an unusually interesting rendition of this well-known subject.

 

 

Nephrite snuff bottle, pale celadon and olive green cleverly used in the formation of two pairs of intertwined fish, each pair with one light and one dark fish, their fins, gills, eyes and mouths realistically represented.

Reverse: Nephrite snuff bottle, pale celadon and olive green cleverly used in the formation of two pairs of intertwined fish, each pair with one light and one dark fish, their fins, gills, eyes and mouths realistically represented.

Pairs of Fish Bottle



A nephrite well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with a rose quartz stopper.

B58

Nephrite, pale celadon and olive green cleverly used in the formation of two pairs of intertwined fish, each pair with one light and one dark fish, their fins, gills, eyes and mouths realistically represented, the darker fishes fins used to wrap around the lighter fish.

Chinese, 1780-1850
Stopper: rose quartz with green nephrite finial
Provenance: Joan Wasserman
Hugh Moss Ltd, 1974
Published: Criteria for Judging Snuff Bottles by Hugh Moss, ICSBS Journal, December 1977,
plate 17
Height: 5.6cm

This is one of a very distinctive but small group of snuff bottles, sometimes made from black and white nephrite, which are all of an exceptionally high standard. The twin fish symbol, according to Chinese folklore, represents marital bliss.

 

 

Nephrite snuff bottle, white with an ochre and brown skin, the brown area carved with lotus leaves and a lingzhi fungus, and above that on the lighter material is a bat in flight; the well hollowed bottle of natural pebble form.

Side View: Nephrite snuff bottle, white with an ochre and brown skin, the brown area carved with lotus leaves and a lingzhi fungus, and above that on the lighter material is a bat in flight; the well hollowed bottle of natural pebble form.

Bat & Lingzhi Fungus Bottle



A nephrite cameo carved picture pebble snuff bottle with a glass stopper.

B59

Nephrite, white with an ochre and brown skin, the brown area carved with lotus leaves and a lingzhi fungus, and above that on the lighter material is a bat in flight; the well hollowed bottle of natural pebble form.

Chinese, 1750-1850
Stopper: brown glass with coral coloured finial
Provenance: Erik Hancock
R. Cooper, 1976
Height: 6.1cm

The finest nephrite was found, primarily, in pebble form in the Khotan region amongst the rivers and streams. Millions of years of exposure gave a darker coloured skin, which, when carved away reveals a lighter area. This is a nephrite pebble that has been carved imaginatively giving great tactile and visual enjoyment.

 

 

Nephrite pebble snuff bottle, mottled brown and mutton fat, carved as an eggplant with leaves and a beetle. This snuff bottle could also be worn as a pendant.

Reverse: Nephrite pebble snuff bottle, mottled brown and mutton fat, carved as an eggplant with leaves and a beetle. This snuff bottle could also be worn as a pendant.

Eggplant Bottle & Pendant



Carved nephrite pebble bottle

B60 / P39

Nephrite, mottled brown and mutton fat, carved realistically in the form of a vegetable with leaves and a beetle, the body with a pierced area for suspending the bottle from the belt, to one end is a coral twig stopper.

Chinese, 1700 - 1780
Stopper: coral twig
Provenance: Christies, London, 1980
Published: Included on the Chinese pendant exhibition poster.

A snuff bottle which doubles as a pendant is unusual, and it is most likely to have been converted from a pendant. This is an attractive and fine carving from the workshops that would have also been making snuff bottles.

 

 

Quartz, crystal cameo carved snuff bottle , the clear, colourless material with a thin brown skin, sensitively carved with a phoenix looking back over its shoulders towards bamboo growing from the rocks below.

Phoenix Bottle



A crystal well hollowed cameo carved picture snuff bottle with a carved coral stopper.

B61

Quartz, crystal, the clear, colourless material with a thin brown skin, sensitively carved with a phoenix looking back over its shoulders towards bamboo growing from the rocks below.

Chinese, 1780-1860
Stopper: coral carved with bamboo
Provenance: Estelle Chapman, London, 1973
Height: 6.2cm

This rock crystal bottle not only has clarity and sparkle which collectors admire - it has practical advantages too - one can see how much snuff there is left. When full of snuff, this bottle would be fascinating as the phoenix depicted on the front would be practically the same colour as the snuff and would appear rather ghostly!


Bird.

 

Quartz, rock crystal early inside painted snuff bottle, painted inside with tones of sepia and grisaille with Buddhist lions at play, the reverse with an inscription.

The reverse with an inscription of the Quartz, rock crystal early inside painted snuff bottle, painted inside with tones of sepia and grisaille with Buddhist lions at play.

Buddhist Lions Bottle



A crystal well hollowed inside painted snuff bottle with a rose quartz stopper.

B62

Quartz, rock crystal, of rounded rectangular form, painted inside with tones of sepia and grisaille with Buddhist lions at play, the reverse with an inscription which reads: -
'Only heaven (is above). No hills can equal it. The red sun is near and as one turns one's head the white clouds are near.'

Signed: Gan Xuanwen, early school
Dated: Second year of Daoguang, Autumn, ninth month, 1822, Lingnan
Stopper: pink rose quartz
Provenance: Sotheby's, 1974
Published: Early inside Painted Snuff Bottles by Gan Xuanwen in ICSBS journal, December 1974 by A.O.Blishen, OBE.
Height: 5.5cm

This fine early school rock crystal inside painted bottle was until some years ago the earliest recorded. Early school inside painted bottles are well loved by purists, as there are many attributes that link them to the Lingnan School of Painting. The work is traditional in style and composition and some scenes were indeed copied from known paintings. It is rare and exciting to find an early school inside painted bottle that is accurately signed and dated.

 

 

Quartz, crystal snuff bottle, painted inside in ink and colour with a continuous aquatic scene of a fan-tailed carp swimming amongst lotus.

Reverse of the Quartz, crystal snuff bottle, painted inside in ink and colour with a continuous aquatic scene of a fan-tailed carp swimming amongst lotus.

Side view of the Quartz, crystal snuff bottle, painted inside in ink and colour with a continuous aquatic scene of a fan-tailed carp swimming amongst lotus.

Fish & Aquatic Plants Bottle



A crystal inside painted snuff bottle with a coral stopper.

B63

Quartz, crystal, painted inside in ink and colour with a continuous aquatic scene of a fan-tailed carp swimming amongst lotus.

Chinese, middle school, dated 1896
Signed: Zhu Zhanyuan, (Henen province)
Stopper: Coral
Provenance: Sotheby's 1976
Height: 4.9cm

Zhu Zhanyuan's work is rare and difficult to find, many collections do not have an example of his work at all. It is possible that he painted under different names, although little fits in with the style of this signed work, although one is illustrated in 'A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles, The Mary and George Bloch Collection' by Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, Volume 4, part 2, number 625.

A remarkable painting when one appreciates how little space there was to work in. This was once just a very poorly hollowed double bottle.


Fish

 

Glass Snuff Bottle, of mottled and striated opaque ochre, green, brown and red colours, interspersed with colourless transparent areas.

Mottled Orange Bottle



A mottled glass snuff bottle with a quartz stopper.

B64

Glass, of mottled and striated opaque ochre, green, brown and red colours, interspersed with colourless transparent areas; the bottle of rounded form with a flared neck.

Chinese, 1720-1800
Stopper: brown quartz
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1976

This is one of a large group of glass snuff bottles that are probably of earlier origins than previously thought, some from the first half of the eighteenth century. Other examples are in blue, green, brown, yellow and multi-coloured, some more successful than others. This is an attractive bottle where the technique has worked well bearing in mind the experimental nature of its manufacture.

 

 

Glass snuff bottle, bright blue colour with small speckled inclusions of gold stone glass, possibly imitating lapis lazuli.

Lapis Lazuli Bottle



A glass snuff bottle imitating lapis lazuli with a rose quartz stopper.

B65

Glass, bright blue colour with small speckled inclusions of gold stone glass, possibly imitating lapis lazuli; the body of bulbous form with a flared neck.

Chinese, 1720-1800
Stopper: rose quartz with blue finial
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1976

Lapis lazuli had been available to Chinese lapidaries for a long time before the advent of the snuff bottle, and it was only natural that the Chinese would want to imitate it, as lapis was expensive.  The glass workshops were becoming extremely adept at copying materials, indeed some of the imitations of jade are very believable, but in this case it would be a quick flash of the blue bottle which would suggest to the unsuspecting onlooker that it may be lapis!

 

 

A mottled glass snuff bottle, pale yellow glass with patches of pale brown, grey and black throughout, probably made to imitate tortoiseshell.

Tortoishell Bottle



A mottled glass snuff bottle with a quartz stopper.

B66

Glass, the pale yellow glass with patches of pale brown, grey and black throughout; the flattened rectangular form with rounded, high shoulders.

Chinese, 1720-1800
Stopper: Brown quartz
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1976
Height: 5.3cm

This is another early glass snuff bottles, probably made to imitate tortoiseshell, with its realistic patches controlled by the glass blower to achieve the effect. There are real tortoiseshell snuff bottles, but very few old ones.

 

 

A carved Imperial yellow glass snuff bottle, carved on each face with an identical scene of confronting archaic dragons, linked together with bands at the central and lower areas, the neck surrounded with ruyi lappets.

Archaic Imperial Yellow Bottle



A carved Imperial yellow glass snuff bottle with a glass stopper.

B67

Glass, so-called 'Imperial Yellow', expertly carved on each face with an identical scene of confronting archaic dragons, linked together with bands at the central and lower areas, the neck surrounded with ruyi lappets and an incised single band containing the design.

Chinese, attributed to the Palace Workshops, 1780-1850
Stopper: Glass
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, 1974
Exhibited: Chinese Snuff Bottles Exhibition at Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1974
Height: 6.6cm

The colour 'Imperial Yellow' was reserved for the express use of Emperors, and snuff bottles in yellow were made for the Emperor. A small proportion of these bear a reign mark on the foot, but the majority do not. It is probable that all the examples were presented to the Palace, and the Emperors or their 'eyes' chose which ones were to bear the all important mark. This is a good example of glasswork, with a strong archaic influence from works of art of an earlier era.

 

 

Glass Snuff Bottle, translucent ruby-red glass carved with writhing and confronting archaic dragons, the neck surrounded with palm fronds, the shoulders carved with mask ring handles.

Archaic Ruby Glass Bottle



A carved ruby red glass snuff bottle with a jade stopper.

B68

Glass, translucent ruby-red exquisitely carved with writhing and confronting archaic dragons, the neck surrounded with palm fronds, the shoulders carved with mask ring handles; the bottle of elegant, tall flattened form with a raised oval foot rim.

Chinese, Qianlong period, 1736-1795
Stopper: Green jadeite
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1975
Height: 8.5cm

The design, manufacture, essence and inspiration for this beautiful glass work of art are pure Imperial: even the form itself without the decoration would imply the bottle was made at the glass works in the Forbidden City, Beijing.

Zodiac sign / Dragon

 

 

A snowflake ground glass snuff bottle with a sapphire-blue overlay carved with bats flying amongst clouds above turbulent waters.

The reverse of the snowflake ground glass snuff bottle with a sapphire-blue overlay carved with bats flying amongst clouds above turbulent waters.

Flying Bats Bottle



A carved single overlay sapphire-blue snuff bottle with a coral stopper.

B69

Glass, snowflake ground covered in a single overlay of sapphire-blue carved with bats flying amongst clouds above turbulent waters, the raised foot rim also carved from the blue overlay, the bottle of rounded form.

Chinese, 1750-1850
Stopper: Coral
Provenance: George James, 1973

The word for bat fu is phonetically the same as the word for blessings, and in China the bat is the most popular motif used to represent good luck and happiness. Bats amongst clouds (fuyun in Chinese) mean good fortune.

 

 

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Cricket & Grapes Bottle



A green overlay cameo carved glass snuff bottle with a coral and pearl stopper.

B70

Glass, covered overall with a translucent-green layer and carved with a cricket on a grape-laden, luscious leaved vine, the bottle of rounded oval form.

Chinese, 1780-1850
Stopper: Coral and pearl finial
Provenance: Harry Ross, sold at Christies, London, 1978
Height: 7.8cm

Crickets (xishou) are considered omens of good fortune in China, and in the past were commonly kept around the home in delicate gourds, ensuring good things to come. They were regarded as creatures of great charm and loyalty and their presence signified familiarity and contentment.  Crickets were thus ideal companions for the educated scholar-officials who could either carry them around in small cages or gourds, or place them on their desks for inspiration. The cricket motif is commonly found on porcelain bottles of the Daoguang period (1821-1850) and it is most unusual to find an example in glass. The charming green glass reflects the colour of the insect itself.

 

 

Glass, the milky translucent snuff bottle with a ruby red overlay, carved on each side with a curled, writhing chilong, its tail and limbs creating a circular pattern, the shoulders with unusual mask and ring handles derived from ancient Chinese bronzes.

Writhing Chilong Bottle



A ruby red overlay cameo carved glass snuff bottle with a jade and metal stopper.

B71

Glass, of milky translucent material, covered in a layer of ruby- red glass and carved on each side to reveal a curled, writhing chilong, its tail and limbs creating a circular pattern, the shoulders with unusual mask and ring handles derived from ancient Chinese bronzes.

Chinese, 1750-1820
Stopper: Jadeite and metal collar
Provenance: Ko collection, sold at Christies, 1976
Published: The Snuff Bottle Review by Michael Keynes, 1976, page 6.
Height: 6cm

This is an early glass overlay bottle depicting a charming baby dragon. The dragon is in China, a good natured and benign creature unlike its Western counterpart. It is a symbol of natural male vigour and fertility and has been used since the Han Dynasty (206BC - AD220) to represent the Emperor, the son of heaven. Red is the most common colour used in the manufacture of glass, but must not be underestimated as some of the very best overlay work is in red. An experienced artist in the medium has here carved the dragons in an animated and fluid manner.

Zodiac sign / Dragon.

 

 

A Yangzhou school cameo carved overlay glass snuff bottle, delicately carved with a flowering chrysanthemum and two cats chasing two butterflies, above is an inscription, the reverse with Li Daipo, the legendary drunken poet, asleep beneath the crescent moon and birds perched on flowering prunus.

Reverse: A Yangzhou school cameo carved overlay glass snuff bottle, delicately carved with a flowering chrysanthemum and two cats chasing two butterflies, above is an inscription, the reverse with Li Daipo, the legendary drunken poet, asleep beneath the crescent moon and birds perched on flowering prunus.

Li Daipo & Cats Bottle



A seal school cameo carved overlay glass snuff bottle with a jade stopper.

B72

Glass, opaque white with a single overlay of dark olive green/brown, delicately carved with a flowering chrysanthemum and two cats chasing two butterflies, above is an inscription carved from the overlay; the reverse with Li Daipo, the legendary drunken poet, asleep beneath the crescent moon with birds perched on flowering prunus; each of the narrow sides with a table of fruit taking the place of mask and ring handles.

Chinese, Yangzhou school, 1800-1850
Stopper: Jadeite with glass finial
Provenance: Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 1974
Height: 6.7cm

The Yangzhou school, at its best, is a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to carve in a delicate and realistic style is legendary, portraying life in an idealistic manner, of special note are their portrayals of landscapes, animals, flowers and nature. This is a fine example; its delicacy of carving must rank among the higher echelons of this medium.

The word for cat (mao) is a homonym for age 70, and the word for butterfly (die) is a homonym for age 80, so cat and butterfly together form a rebus to express the wish that the recipient will have a long life. The chrysanthemum is the flower of autumn and symbol of long life and duration.

 

 

Porcelain, carved in high relief with a raised gnarled Prunus with two central flowers surrounded with unopened buds, all covered in a lime green glaze, the base signed Wang Bingrong.

Wang Bingrong Bottle



A carved porcelain snuff bottle with an amethyst stopper.

B73

Porcelain, carved in high relief with a raised gnarled prunus with two central flowers surrounded with unopened buds, all covered in a lime green glaze, the base signed Wang Bingrong, the bottle of elongated pear drop shape.

Chinese, early19th century
Signed: Wang Bingrong
Stopper: Amethyst
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1973
Height: 6.9cm

Wang Bingrong is probably the most prominent of the biscuit porcelain carvers and was highly regarded by the literati. This is an excellent example with charm and it is exceptionally well conceived.

 

 

Porcelain snuff bottle, painted in rouge de fer with a rampant scaly dragon chasing a flaming pearl painted in gold enamel, the base inscribed with the mark Doaguang nianzhi.

The base inscribed with the mark Doaguang nianzhi of the porcelain snuff bottle, painted in rouge de fer.

Dragon & Pearl Bottle



A Doaguang decorated porcelain snuff bottle with a glass stopper.

B74

Porcelain, rounded, bulbous form, painted in rouge de fer with a rampant scaly dragon chasing a flaming pearl painted in gold enamel, the base inscribed with the mark Doaguang nianzhi, (made during the Daoguang period).

Chinese, Jingdezhen
Daoguang period, 1821-1850
Stopper: Green glass
Provenance: Sotheby's, 1975
Height: 5.5cm

This was a favourite subject during the Daoguang period, when porcelain snuff bottles were produced in great quantities at Jingdezhen. This is a fine example of enamel painting and the artist has perfectly controlled the medium.

Zodiac sign / Dragon

 

 

Porcelain snuff bottle, creamy-white enamel; moulded and reticulated with the design of Fo lions chasing beribboned brocade balls; set against a wave design the base and shoulders surrounded by ruyi lappets and the neck with a key-fret border; the base with an iron red Jiaqing mark.

The base with an iron red Jiaqing mark of the porcelain snuff bottle, creamy-white enamel; moulded and reticulated with the design of Fo lions chasing beribboned brocade balls; set against a wave design the base and shoulders surrounded by ruyi lappets and the neck with a key-fret border.

Jiaqing



A Jiaqing carved porcelain snuff bottle with the original stopper.

B75

Porcelain, covered with a creamy-white enamel; moulded and reticulated with the design of Fo lions chasing beribboned brocade balls; set against a wave design the base and shoulders surrounded by ruyi lappets and the neck with a key-fret border; the base with an iron red Jiaqing mark.

Chinese, Jingdezhen
Jiaqing period, 1796-1820
Stopper: Porcelain, matching and original
Provenance: Sotheby's, 1974
Height: 6.3cm

This type of moulded and reticulated porcelain may have been a response to the carved ivory and lacquer snuff bottles of the Qianlong period (1736-95). The craftsmen at Jingdezhen made monochrome copies of ivory and lacquer bottles by making moulds based on an original piece, which would then be used a number of times to create a bottle. This is a good crisp impression from the mould and so would be an early example. The matching original stopper from the same period is also attractive.

 

 

Porcelain snuff bottle, covered in a turquoise glaze and molded in the form of a squirrel gripping onto a branch from which cascade grapes and vine leaves; the leaves, fur and facial expression superbly molded.

Squirrel & Grapes Bottle



A moulded and carved porcelain snuff bottle with a rose quartz stopper.

B76

Porcelain covered in a turquoise glaze and moulded in the form of a squirrel gripping onto a branch from which cascade grapes and vine leaves; the leaves, fur and facial expression superbly moulded.

Chinese, 1880-1920
Stopper: Rose quartz
Provenance: George James, 1973
Lengh: 8cm

This is a very crisp example of this late mould. It belongs to a group that include fish, curled lotus leaves and other vegetables that are linked by the use of unusually thin porcelain and glassy enamels.

 

 

A Jingdezhen moulded porcelain snuff bottle, painted in enamels and moulded in the form of Liu Hai, standing with one foot raised, clutching a string of cash and carrying a scaly three-legged toad on his shoulder.

The reverse of the Jingdezhen moulded porcelain snuff bottle, painted in enamels and moulded in the form of Liu Hai, standing with one foot raised, clutching a string of cash and carrying a scaly three-legged toad on his shoulder.

Liu Hai Bottle



A Jiaqing moulded porcelain snuff bottle with a metal stopper.

B77

Porcelain, painted in enamels and moulded in the form of Liu Hai, standing with one foot raised, clutching a string of cash and carrying a scaly three-legged toad on his shoulder.

Chinese, Jingdezhen
Jiaqing Period, 1796-1821
Stopper: Porcelain
Provenance: Erik Hancock
Redge Cooper, 1976
Height: 7.2cm

Liu Hai is the patron saint of commercial enterprise and along with his three-legged toad is always in search of cash. This is an extremely unusual mould: Liu Hai's raised foot means that the tiny area of one foot is the point of balance for the bottle: a real masterpiece of engineering. The painting is extremely well detailed showing a smiling Liu Hai, happy to have found some cash.

 

 

Amber snuff bottle, translucent honey colour carved as two pairs of intertwined fish whose fins unite at the mouth to receive the stopper; their fins, gill, eyes and mouths realistically represented.

Four Intertwined Fish Bottle



A translucent carved amber snuff bottle with a turquoise stopper.

B78

Amber, translucent honey colour carved as two pairs of intertwined fish whose fins unite at the mouth to receive the stopper; their fins, gill, eyes and mouths realistically represented.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: Turquoise
Provenance: C.G.Blaxter
Purchased Christies 1974
Height: 5.3cm

This bottle is related to a group of nephrite bottles of the same subject, of pairs of intertwined fish.  The twin fish symbol, according to Chinese folklore, represents marital bliss.

 

 

Amber snuff bottle, honey coloured translucent amber, each shoulder carved with lion mask and ring handles.

Side View: Amber snuff bottle, honey coloured translucent amber, each shoulder carved with lion mask and ring handles.

Mask Ring Handles Bottle



A translucent amber snuff bottle with a quartz stopper.

B79

Amber, honey coloured translucent material, each shoulder carved with lion mask and ring handles, sitting on a neat oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1750-1850
Stopper: Quartz
Provenance: R L Chant, 1975

Amber is the fossilized resin from a conifer tree. It was available to the Chinese throughout the Eighteenth and Nineteenth century, clear amber (as in this example) came from Burma. Amber is light and warms to the touch thus making it a delightful material from which to make a tactile snuff bottle.

 

 

Cinnabar lacquer snuff bottle, carved with a warrior and horse under a pine tree, a beautiful girl with hand raised to her eyes; the reverse with two ladies; the background of formalized cloud patterns.

Warrior & Geisha Girl Bottle



A carved cinnabar lacquer snuff bottle with a Quartz stopper.

B80

Cinnabar lacquer, carved with a warrior and horse standing under a gnarled pine tree, a beautiful girl with hand raised to her eyes; the reverse with two ladies; the background carved with lozenge and formalized cloud patterns.

Chinese, 19th Century
Stopper: Quartz
Provenance: George A. Cohen
Height: 6.2cm

Lacquer comes from the sap of the lacquer tree, which is grown throughout southern China. In this case the lacquer has been coloured using cinnabar (a mercury derivative) and painted in over 150 layers and subsequently carved.

 

A small selection of stoppers and spoons from this collection.

Snuffbottle Stoppers & Spoons

 

A selection of stoppers and ivory spoons from the collection.

 

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