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Lot Essay
Beryl is a semi-precious stone that in its blue variety is known as aquamarine. As seen here, larger pieces of the material are permeated with natural flaws which, when the material is polished, refract the light, creating a brilliant rainbow-colored iridescence.
Beryl was used at the Court to produce snuff bottles from the Qianlong period onwards and a series of either plain, rounded rectangular bottles, or similar shapes with chi-dragon decoration, were a mid-Qing, Imperial staple. The present example, however, although probably from the same group, is of lobed form, which creates a more jewel-like effect of the intense, iridescent color. Although the walls have been left relatively thick, no doubt to maximize the intensity of the color, the interior space is symmetrical and well finished and follows exactly the size and shape of each lobe, all suggesting an earlier phase of production.
Beryl was used at the Court to produce snuff bottles from the Qianlong period onwards and a series of either plain, rounded rectangular bottles, or similar shapes with chi-dragon decoration, were a mid-Qing, Imperial staple. The present example, however, although probably from the same group, is of lobed form, which creates a more jewel-like effect of the intense, iridescent color. Although the walls have been left relatively thick, no doubt to maximize the intensity of the color, the interior space is symmetrical and well finished and follows exactly the size and shape of each lobe, all suggesting an earlier phase of production.