The Trudy and John 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
 

B19   B6   B2   B78

B4   B48   B25   B1   B10

B47   B76   B9

A Small Selection of a dozen bottles

Please note the height of snuff bottles (in the descriptions) is that of the bottle excluding the stopper.

B12   B18   B11   B60   B61   B8

B50   B42   B53

B5   B14   B3   B71   B67   B68

Another Small Selection in groups of three.

These bottles contain snuff (each with a different variety) clearly visible in bottles 7, 24 and 71.

However most bottles were emptied before being photographed.

Banded Agate bottle

A white banded, very well hollowed, chalcedony snuff bottle with a pink tourmaline stopper.

B1

Chalcedony, honey colour with fine white bands running around the middle and lower part of the bottle; the bottle extremely well hollowed, to paper thinness, and resting on a flat foot.

Chinese, 1750-1850
Stopper: Pink tourmaline
Provenance: Hugh Moss, 1978
Height: 4.6cm

Small Banded Agate Bottle

A beige, well hollowed, plain chalcedony snuff bottle, with a pink tourmaline stopper.

B2

Quartz, chalcedony and crystal, the small, well hollowed bottle of rounded form; of unusual formation with crystalline quartz above a horizontal band of creamy white and caramel brown chalcedony, all on a raised oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: dark pink tourmaline
Provenance: The Ko collection, sold at Christies, London, Robert Hall
Height: 3.5cm

It is rare to find this combination of materials in the form of a snuff bottle. Whilst this intriguing bottle is of small size it is by no means certain that such bottles were reserved for the use of ladies, in fact there is little historical information to support the suggestion that snuff taking by ladies was as prevalent as with men.

Red Starburst Crystalline Bottle

A quartz, agate and crystal, plain snuff bottle, well hollowed, with a carnelian and  pearl stopper.

B3

Quartz, agate and crystal, russet and red in a starburst crystalline natural mineral formation, each layer accentuated in creamy white; the bottle of gently rounded form.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: pale orange carnelian with a pearl finial
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London
Exhibited: Hugh Moss Chinese Snuff Bottle Exhibition 1974.
Height: 5.7cm

There is a lot of movement in this snuff bottle, creating unusual and exciting electric dimensions suggestive of the massive natural upheavals millions of years ago required to form the mineral. The starburst formation evokes a powerful firework exploding in the sky.

Moss Agate Bottle

A moss agate plain snuff bottle, well hollowed, with a jade and metal stopper.

B4

Quartz, moss agate, mottled areas of russet, mustard and seaweed green running through the colourless chalcedony body; resting on a flat foot.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: green jadeite set in a metal collar
Provenance: The Ko collection, Christies, London, 1973
Height: 5cm

The majority of moss agates are of one predominant colour, this exciting example is of three wonderful symbiotic colours reminiscent of colours in a countryside pool.

A moss opaque pearl-grey agate plain snuff bottle, well hollowed, with a coral stopper.

B5

Quartz, chalcedony; opaque pearl-grey and blue with moss-like dendritic inclusions reminiscent of weeds floating in a pond, well hollowed and resting on a flat oval foot.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: pink coral on black collar
Provenance: Ko collection, sold at Christies, 1976
Height: 6cm

It is by no means a coincidence that many mineral snuff bottles resemble other natural phenomena. The Chinese were exceptionally skilled in using their imagination to release images from within the natural abstract markings. These stones, specially selected by the Qing
craftsmen provided the perfect vehicle for the 'experience hungry' art lovers of the period.

Small Jasper Bottle

A plain quartz, jasper, snuff bottle, well hollowed, with a carnelian stopper.

B6

Quartz, jasper, of small, rounded form, carved from a striking and impressively marked stone of dark olive green colour with russet linear markings, undulating throughout in the manner of the outline of mountains.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: carnelian stopper in the form of a Mandarin's hat
Provenance: Estelle Chapman, London, 1975
Height: 4cm

The natural markings on this bottle would be of profound interest to any enlightened Chinese observer, as they are reminiscent of the brushstrokes used by the literati artist to suggest the bold outlines of a mountain range.

Small Hair Crystal Bottle

A quartz crystal, with black tourmaline needles, plain snuff bottle with an aquamarine stopper.

B7

Quartz, crystal with black tourmaline needles evenly interspersed throughout the material, of flattened rectangular form sitting on a raised oval foot, of small size.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: aquamarine
Provenance: Sydney Moss Ltd, London, 1976
Height: 3.8cm

'Hair crystal' was popular amongst snuff takers in China. The tourmaline needles provide an exciting abstract design, and the material's translucency makes it easy to see the remaining quantity of snuff. The combination of these factors provides an exciting vessel to use and show off.

Smoky Crystal Bottle

A smoky crystal plain snuff bottle very well hollowed, with a green and brown jade stopper.

B8

Quartz, brown-grey smoky crystal, well carved and hollowed, resulting in a semi- translucent body resting on a raised oval foot.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: green and brown jade
Provenance: Richard Marchant, 1978
Height: 6.5cm

Smoky crystal is another mineral that was available in abundance to the lapidaries of Qing China. Not all of the large numbers of smoky crystal bottles made during this period were good, but this is a well-made example, its translucency enabling the user to see the amount of snuff left inside.

Celadon Jade Bottle

A flawless plain jade snuff bottle, superbly hollowed eggshell thin. Carnelian stopper.

B9

Jade; bright green with lighter celadon inclusions creating a mottled icy effect; the bottle exceptionally well hollowed, of rounded rectangular form with gently sloping shoulders and raised oval foot, and slightly concave mouth.

Chinese, 1730-1780
Stopper: carnelian
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1973
Height: 7.2m

This is an exceptional star within the snuff bottle galaxy - a truly beautiful piece of jade, hollowed daringly and expertly, resulting in paper thin walls yet still retaining a vivid green colour. This is a true feat of engineering, especially considering the extraordinary circumstances under which the lapidaries were working during this period - with foot driven drills, levers and pads to literally rub away the inside.

Grey Jadeite Bottle

A flawless grey jadeite plain snuff bottle, superbly hollowed eggshell thin, with a pink coral on a turquoise collar with pearl finial stopper.

B10

Jadeite, pale grey with a blue tinge, suffused with creamy cloud-like inclusions, exceptionally well hollowed, resulting in paper thin walls; the bottle of well proportioned bulbous form, with slightly raised oval foot with a flared neck and concave mouth.

Chinese, 1730-1780
Stopper: pink coral on a turquoise collar with pearl finial
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1974
Height: 4.8cm

This is as good as they get - a beautifully constructed, perfectly hollowed bottle carved from an exquisite, delicate coloured sample of jade. The perfect rounded shape has been dictated by the 'awkwardness factor' with regard to the hollowing process - this being one of the few shapes that can be completely and evenly hollowed to the ultimate thinness.

Apple Green Jadeite Bottle

A plain jadeite snuff bottle, well hollowed with a coral carved with a dragon and pearl finial.

B11

Jadeite, apple-green colour with slightly lighter mottling throughout the ovoid body, standing on a flat oval foot, with a round neck and concave mouth.

Chinese, 1730-1780
Stopper: coral carved as a dragon with pearl finial
Provenance: Robert Hall, 1979
Height: 5.2cm

Another early jade with exquisite form and colour designed and executed with perfection in order to accentuate the natural beauty of the mineral which has been left undecorated to highlight its beauty.

Emerald Green & Yellow Jadeite Bottle

A plain mottled jadeite, well hollowed, snuff bottle with a tourmaline stopper.

B12

Jadeite, mottled emerald-green and yellow, the ovoid body standing on a flat foot with a round neck and lightly concave mouth, the body meticulously hollowed leaving the walls exceptionally thin.

Chinese, 1750-1850
Stopper: pink tourmaline
Provenance: Mme. Nel, France
Robert Hall, 1976
Height: 4.9cm

This is a small masterpiece where the unusual markings in the mineral are once again left undecorated to draw attention to the exquisite nature of the material itself. Its smaller size also makes it attractively jewel like.

Hair Crystal Bottle

A quartz crystal, with black tourmaline needles, plain snuff bottle with a tourmaline, glass & jade finial stopper.

B13

Quartz; crystal, transparent, interspersed throughout with densely packed black tourmaline needles, of the variety known as 'hair crystal'; the well-hollowed bottle of rectangular form sitting on a neat oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1780-1850
Stopper: tourmaline on a yellow glass collar with a jade finial
Provenance: Neal and Frances Hunter Collection
Richard Marchant, 2000

This bottle is well hollowed and has an attractive even spread of tourmaline needles.

Lively Spinach Green Nephrite Bottle

A plain nephrite snuff bottle, well hollowed, with an amerthyst stopper.

B14

Nephrite, mottled spinach interspersed with black and slightly lighter patches, the body of rounded form resting on a flattened foot.

Chinese, 1760-1850
Stopper: purple amethyst
Provenance: Robert Hall, 1982
Height: 5.4cm

Spinach jade was available to the Chinese lapidaries in large quantities only at the beginning of the 18th Century when trade routes with nearby Turkestan opened. The material was favoured by the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795), and was used in large carved decorative mountains, large and small vases, plates, and brush pots as well as snuff bottles.

Apple Green Jadeite Bottle

A bright green jadeite plain snuff bottle. Not too heavy. Pink quartz stopper.

B15

Jadeite bright apple-green, with lighter crystalline mottling throughout the body, of ovoid form with a flat oval foot.

Chinese, 1780-1880
Stopper: pink quartz
Provenance: Ko collection, sold at Christies, London, 1974
Height: 5.1cm

There is an infinite range of colour to be found within the jadeite family, and this makes it one of the most exciting fields to collect. During the early Qing dynasty, snuff takers would have been as thrilled with the endless varieties of colour and shape as we are today.

Monkeys & Lotus Pod Bottle

A good pure white nephrite snuff bottle, well hollowed, and carved in low relief.  Jade, set in a metal collar, stopper.

B16

Nephrite, pure white carved in low relief with two exuberant monkeys pulling down a branch whilst trying to reach a peach high above; the bottle bulbous and well hollowed.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: green jade set in metal collar
Provenance: Robert Hall, 1979
Height: 5.2cm

White jade (nephrite) was another favourite of the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795), the whiter and purer the better. Many jade snuff bottles had imperfections in them as they were formed from the excess trimmed from larger boulders. These smaller pieces were carved into snuff bottles, utilising the markings to good advantage within the design of the bottle.

Zodiac sign / Monkey

Five Bats Nephrite Bottle

A mutton fat jade snuff bottle carved in relief and well hollowed. Tourmaline stopper.

B17

Nephrite, pale celadon, carved in low relief with five bats; the bottle of elegant form, tapering from the shoulders to the foot, with a tall neck.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: pink tourmaline, carved in the form of a mandarin's hat with finial
Provenance: Nguyen Tan-Phu, 1975
Height: 7.2cm

This is a lively bottle depicting the ubiquitous five bats which symbolise happiness and longevity.

Archaic Symbols Bottle

A mutton fat nephrite snuff bottle carved in relief and well hollowed. Carnelian stopper.

B18

Nephrite, mutton fat colour carved with a band of archaic symbols around the neck, a band of formalized kui dragons around the centre and a band of pendant acanthus leaves towards the base; the bottle of elegant vase form tapering towards the foot.

Chinese, 1750-1850
Stopper: orange carnelian
Provenance: Richard |Marchant, 1974
Height: 6.7cm

During the 18th Century many tombs were being excavated, giving the opportunity to study the art of the past. Archaic motifs from ancient bronze and jade vessels became a fashionable subject for snuff bottles.

Lotus Bud Poem Bottle

A chalcedony small snuff bottle, very well hollowed, and carved. Turquoise stopper.

B19

Chalcedony, carved as a formalised lotus bud, the six lobes each carved with a six character inscription, the neck carved with a single surround of rope work, the elegant bottle well hollowed standing on a neat oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1780 - 1850
Stopper: turquoise
Provenance: F.G.Blaxter, sold at Christies, 1973
Height: 5.3cm

This is one of a large and attractive group of translucent agate bottles all well carved, many with inscriptions, which were possibly made for presentation to the Palace. Significant numbers from this group bear Qianlong reign marks that are believable in some cases, but the one common factor is the distinctive translucent agate from which they are made.

A muttonfat nephrite snuff bottle carved in the form of a carp, the tail provides a built in dish. A glass and metal stopper.

B20

Nephrite, mutton fat of pale mottled appearance, carved in the form of a plump, hunched up carp with its fan tail splayed behind, its fins, scales and eyes all realistically carved.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: glass mounted in metal collar
Provenance: Harry Ross collection, sold Christies, 1978
Length: 6.4cm

This is one of only a small group of fish bottles, most of which are realistically and confidently carved displaying mildly comical features. The Chinese word for fish 'yu' is phonetically identical with the word meaning 'abundance or affluence' so a fish is a symbol for wealth.

Old & Young Dragons Bottle

A muttonfat nephrite snuff bottle, well hollowed, carved in low relief with a coral stopper.

B21

Nephrite, mutton fat colour, the body carved with a continuous scene of writhing dragons, old and young, of flattened rounded form standing on a raised oval foot.

Chinese, 1750 - 1850
Stopper: coral, carved with dragon with pearl finial
Provenance: Christies, London, 1974
Height: 5.9cm

Writhing dragons are one of the most popular subjects for snuff bottles made during the zenith of the snuff bottle era. In the West the dragon is portrayed as an ugly and frightening mythological creature, but to the eyes of the Chinese they are reassuringly strong and represent positive and good things. Dragons large and small together mean 'May your children have an illustrious career'.

A white nephrite snuff bottle, well hollowed, carved in low relief with a red coral and turquoise stopper.

B22

Nephrite, white mutton fat material, the body carved with a dragon and a phoenix, the phoenix with its tail displaying; the well hollowed bottle of flattened pear form standing on a raised oval foot

Chinese, 1780 - 1850
Stopper: red coral with turqoise collar
Provenance: Lt. Col. B.M.L.Forsyth, sold Christies, London, 1974
Height: 5.7cm

Together, the dragon and phoenix embody the male and female essences and symbolize the married state. The motif of dragon and phoenix creates a rebus longfeng chengxiang 'the dragon and phoenix present auspiciousness' and this was considered an appropriate message for gifts and paraphernalia at weddings.

Yellow Nephrite Bamboo Bottle

Yellow nephrite snuff bottle, well hollowed, and carved in low relief with bamboo and rockwork. A coral stopper.

B23

Nephrite, yellow with some small areas of brown, each side carved with a circular vignette, one containing a scholarly scene of bamboo and ornamental rockwork, the other with a raised inscription in running script, each shoulder with mock mask and ring handles, the bottle of rounded disc form with tall neck standing on a raised oval foot.

Chinese, 1750 - 1800
Stopper: coral on a turquoise collar
Provenance: Robert Hall, 1980
Height: 4.9cm

Yellow jade was another of the Emperor's favourite materials and was used to make bottles for presentation to the Palace. This example is compact, well conceived and has been decorated with items known to be of scholarly interest.

Dragon Bottle

Translucent quartz snuff bottle and carved in low relief with dragons. Pink glass stopper.

B24

Quartz, translucent icy blue colourless material and flattened rounded form, one side carved with a dragon emerging from the clouds, the other side with a dragon amongst waves.

Chinese, 1760 - 1800
Stopper: pink glass in the shape of a mandarin hat
Provenance: Ko collection, sold Christies, London, 1978
Height: 5.2cm

This bottle is wonderfully tactile. It is not always easy to photograph snuff bottles of a non-specific colour especially when made from materials that are neither bright nor colourful, but this is a good example from this group.

Zodiac sign / Dragon

Putai Ho-Shang Bottle

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle. Green glass and ivory stopper.

B25

Chalcedony, of pale-beige mushroom colour with darker inclusions incorporated in a design depicting Pu Tai He Shang waving a hand at a bat and seated beneath tobacco leaves; the well hollowed bottle of flattened rounded form resting on a raised oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: green quartz on an ivory collar
Provenance: Estelle Chapman, London, 1973
Height: 5.8cm

There is a large group of excellent agate snuff bottles made between 1750 and 1850 whose objectivity was to pursue the natural inclusions within the stone to create a story or scene often using carving to highlight the theme. Pu Tai He Shang is the patron saint of tobacconists.

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle. Carved coral stopper

B26

Chalcedony, pale-beige with a dark inclusion that reaches from the neck to the foot, ingeniously carved with two horned dragons, both with whiskers and eyes accentuated, the beast above with a lower claw in evidence. The two dragons are contesting a pearl, their bodies sweeping back above and below them, one emanating from the sky, one from the sea; each side with incised clouds. The bottle exceptionally well hollowed of flattened rectangular form standing on a raised oval foot rim, the mouth slightly concave.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: pink coral carved with dragons
Provenance: Robert Hall, 1999

This is an exceptionally dramatic portrayal of a subject that strikes at the heart of every Chinese person, along with a vast group of scholars, collectors and enthusiasts. Two dragons playing amidst clouds, contesting a flaming pearl cause rain to fall, a great symbol for fertility and abundance. This is an animated and skilful depiction of one of the most popular subjects from this period.

Zodiac sign / Dragon

Sampan by the Cliff Bottle

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle. Carnelian and metal stopper.

B27

Chalcedony, pale-beige with dark-brown and pale-russet inclusions, conceived with a minimum of carving to depict two fishermen, one sitting near the hood and one standing at the bow of the sampan, by the side of a cliff, above them is a full moon; the well hollowed bottle of rounded form.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: carnelian on metal mount
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, 1974
Height: 4.9cm

One of the many facets of my interest in Chinese snuff bottles is that, particularly with the hard stone varieties, every one is different, relying on the piece of stone which has been produced by 'Mother Nature'. A new challenge appears on the horizon every time a piece of stone is presented to a craftsman, and should twenty craftsmen be given the exact same piece of stone (which is not possible) each of those twenty snuff bottles would result in a very different appearance, different areas would be recognised by the various pairs of eyes and treated in a different manner, some more interesting than others. This is a charming depiction of one of the four noble professions - fishing.

Eagle Bottle

A chalcedony very well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle. Metal (in the form of a dragon) stopper.

B28

Chalcedony, pale-beige with a contrasting darker area carved to depict a perched eagle, his head turned back whilst waiting for his mate who can be seen in the distance; the well-hollowed bottle of rounded form, with an indented oval foot.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: bronze with a dragon
Provenance: Erik Hancock
Marchant & Son, 1974
Height: 5cm

This simple rendition of the well known perched eagle is extremely effective. The Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795) was passionate about nature, whether wildlife, insects, flowers, trees, or the elements, and thus many of these subjects came to be depicted on the applied arts that were made for presentation to the court.

Bird.

Brown Carp Bottle

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with an agate stopper.

B29

Chalcedony, pale-beige with darker brown markings that depict a fish under water, appearing to be sorting through the water's bed, with bubbles emanating upwards towards the surface; the well hollowed bottle of rounded form.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: brown quartz
Provenance: Peter Fawcett, London
Hugh Moss, 1973
Height: 5.8cm

The manner in which the fish has been 'discovered' amongst the natural markings of this piece of agate is a demonstration of the Chinese craftsman' s ability to recognise and bring a wonderful world to the attention of the beholder. The fish is a naturalistic colour and is realistically and animatedly going about its life - a perfect subject created with a minimum of fuss and elaboration.

Liu Hai Bottle

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with an amethyst stopper.

B30

Chalcedony, beige with a dark brown 'splash', minimally carved to depict Liu Hai dancing whilst attempting to save his three legged toad by dangling his cash string, the toad looking up in appreciation; the bottle of flattened rectangular form standing on a raised oval foot.

Chinese, 1750 - 1850
Stopper: amethyst
Provenance: Lt. Col. B.M.L. Forsyth, (sold at Christies, London, 1978)
Height: 6.2cm

Liu Hai is a much-loved mythological character, nearly always depicted with a long piece of string on which he keeps his money safe. He is usually accompanied by a three- legged toad, which seems to get into trouble easily and needs to be rescued by Liu Hai. In this depiction it is interesting to note that Liu Hai appears to have longer hair than he is usually shown with. This is an excellent example of so called 'shadow agate' whereby a minimum of carving creates the desired effect in an animated and charming manner.

Huang Chenyen Bottle

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

B31

Chalcedony, pale beige with a darker brown inclusion minimally carved to represent the mythological figure, Huang Chenyen travelling on his donkey carrying a large branch of prunus blossom, a bat in the foreground; the bottle of flattened rectangular form with a raised oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: crystal with red finial
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, 1976
Illustrated: I.C.S.B.S. Journal, page 12, number 8, 1975 'Snuff Bottles: the quality factor' by R.W.L. Kleiner

This is from the same group as number B29, sharing the same aspirations and technique, only depicting a different subject, that of Huang Chenyen. Huang Chenyen is a mythological figure portrayed in search of prunus. In this case the workmanship is extraordinarily successful, the perspective and the resulting manner in which this lonesome traveller is depicted is brilliant and portrays the gruelling, solitary dedication this well loved character peruses.

Sage & Assistant Bottle

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

B32

Chalcedony, pale-beige with a darker brown inclusion, minimally carved to show a long-haired, bearded sage accompanied by his attendant, a flower at his feet, both on a cliff top sheltering under a gnarled tree which bends over whilst they look towards a large flying bird, possibly a crane. Across from the figures is a deep valley with another tree growing precariously on a cliff edge.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: coral set into metal mount
Provenance: Marylin Shaw
Hugh Moss Ltd, 1973

One of the very attractive features of the silhouette agate group is that they present a slice of life, conceived and executed by a master carver, which will transport the beholder to a dream like state, allowing the mind and imagination to lead them away from the complexities of the present. This is a heart- warming scene, with an elderly sage and his attendant enjoying the elements on top of a precarious cliff. 

Sampan & Boulders Bottle

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

B33

Chalcedony, pale-beige with darker brown inclusions brilliantly carved to represent a sage with attendant at a ship's bow navigating around a group of large rocks, with a range of mountains in the background.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: coral on turquoise collar
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1974
Height: 6.1cm

This is another excellent silhouette agate, creating a picture that will give constant pleasure and food for the imagination. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between a fisherman and a sage in a sampan, but this subject always appears idyllic. The life of a fisherman is not always idyllic and can be fraught with bad weather and treacherous waters that can be both uncomfortable and life threatening. The sage would be less likely to be boating unless the conditions were such that they compelled him to participate in order to meditate or to simply enjoy and experience of the surroundings.

Cockerel Bottle

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

B34

Chalcedony, pale-grey and beige with darker brown and russet patches carved with a cockerel perched on top of a rock, a flower nearby; the well-hollowed bottle of bulbous form with a raised oval foot rim and concave mouth.

Chinese, 1750 - 1760
Stopper: coral carved as a peach mounted on a metal collar
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1974
Height: 6cm

This is both intelligent and imaginative work combining to produce an extremely successful scene given the awkward nature of the natural markings in the agate. The cockerel is the tenth creature of the Chinese Zodiac, and is admired as a courageous and beneficent bird. He wards off evil, and symbolises reliability, as he never fails to mark the passing of the hours. A cock crowing represents achievement and fame. A cockerel depicted on an object would make a suitable gift for anyone wishing to enter the civil service, as the word for cockscomb guan is phonetically identical with guan (official) and therefore expresses the wish that the recipient may be rewarded with an official post.

Zodiac sign / Cockerel

Crane Bottle

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with an agate and metal stopper.

B35

Chalcedony, of pale-grey and beige colours, with darker brown areas carved with a crane carrying a spray of lingzhi in its beak; the well-hollowed bottle of bulbous form.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: pink stained quartz on a metal mount
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1973
Height: 6cm

Some of the most cleverly designed hard stone bottles are conceived using just a few carved 'strokes'. This scene depicts a crane struggling through the air with a trophy in its beak, the 'strokes' emphasising the natural awkwardness of this well loved and often depicted creature. The crane is one of the many symbols of longevity.

Bird. Stork.

The Humorous Cockerel Bottle

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

B36

Chalcedony, pale-brown with darker brown contrasting inclusions, minimally carved to depict a heavy and humorous cockerel approaching what appears to be a cockscomb.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: jadeite on a green stained ivory collar
Provenance: Estelle Chapman, 1973
Height: 5.7cm

The artist has managed to portray a cockerel in a cartoon like manner attracting the attention of the viewer. It was the natural markings which suggested this treatment to the carver and has turned an animal which is part of the every day life of the Chinese into an amusing and warm subject. The cockerel is the tenth creature of the Chinese Zodiac, and is admired as a courageous and beneficent bird. He wards off evil, and symbolises reliability, as he never fails to mark the passing of the hours. A cock crowing represents achievement and fame. A cockerel depicted on an object would make a suitable gift for anyone wishing to enter the civil service, as the word for cockscomb guan is phonetically identical with guan (official) and therefore expresses the wish that the recipient may be rewarded with an official post.

Zodiac sign / Cockerel

Hawk & Tree Bottle

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with a carnelian and pearl stopper. 

B37

Chalcedony, dendritic areas incorporated in a scene of a hawk looking backwards over its shoulder whilst standing under a tree, with windswept mountains in the background; the well hollowed bottle of flattened rectangular form with a raised oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: coral with a pearl finial on black collar
Provenance: Peter Green, London
Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1973
Illustrated: Chinese Snuff Bottles of the Silica and Quartz Group by Hugh Moss, page 38, no 85.
Height: 5.3cm

This subject has been enlivened by the use of the natural inclusions in the stone. Dendritic areas are used to create the leaves and branches of a tree, and natural lines running through the stone emphasize the drama of the windswept scene. This is a wonderful work of art in which the artist has used brilliantly all the natural markings.

Bird

Bats Bottle

A chalcedony well hollowed silhouette picture snuff bottle with an amethyst and horn stopper.

B38

Chalcedony, pale grey with russet inclusions carved with bats in flight, the narrow sides carved with mask and ring handles, the bottle of rounded bulbous form carved with a raised oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: pale amethyst with horn collar
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, 1973
Height: 6cm

This well hollowed agate has small, irregular honeycomb patterns

 inside. These are created by the labour intensive process of rubbing paddles coated in abrasives on the inside (after the initial drilling had removed the central bulk). The temptation to include the small russet areas to the lower right hand side within a large and showy subject was suppressed in favour of this charming treatment that is of lasting intrigue.

Pheasant Bottle

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

B39

Quartz, chalcedony with a crystalline area, of mottled pale brown colour with a few darker inclusions, one of which has been cleverly incorporated within the crystalline area to create a pheasant with long and flowing feathers; the well hollowed bottle of bulbous form.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: green moss agate
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, 1974
Height: 6.6cm

This very clever use of the crystalline area amply demonstrates the abilities of the Qing craftsmen who worked hard at creating these masterpieces. They were designing for an audience that was becoming more and more sophisticated as the craze for acquiring great snuff bottles by the elite gathered pace during the eighteenth century.

Bird.

Duck Bottle

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

B40

Chalcedony, pale-grey with a deep brown contrasting inclusion minimally carved to depict a charming duck, improbably balanced on its feet with neck stretched upwards, a spray or plant in its beak.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Provenance: Sue Lapidus
Hugh Moss Ltd, 1974
Height: 5.3cm

It is possible that the recessed part of the bottle where the darker material has been taken away in order to represent the duck may double as a snuff dish in order to offer the powder to guests. A mandarin duck symbolises married bliss and so this would have been a perfect wedding gift.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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

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.''

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Snuffbottle Stoppers & Spoons

A selection of stoppers and ivory spoons from the collection.