Archaic Symbols Snuff Bottle

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.