Only one other bottle of similar material, subject and style, and most likely from the same workshop that made the present lot, is recorded, advertised by Ralph M. Chait Galleries (see Chinese Snuff Bottles No. 1, p. 9). Although the vase is of a different miniaturized form, it is set into an integral stand in the shape of a duck that is very similar in style to that on the present bottle.

The form of these bottles could be related to the jade carvings of elephants carrying vases on their backs. However, the uniqueness and novelty of the subject-matter on the 'duck and vase' snuff bottles suggest that the present lot was made as part of a drive during the eighteenth century to create innovative and interesting designs to please the Emperor.