Lotus Bud Six Lobes Poem Snuff Bottle

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.