OFFICIAL SCHOOL, 1760-1840

Details

**A CARVED CAMEO AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE
OFFICIAL SCHOOL, 1760-1840
The well-hollowed bottle carved on one side utilizing the white markings with a horse tethered to a pine tree, the reverse uncarved and of rich honey tone, stopper
2¾ in. (6.9 cm.) high

Provenance

George D. Pratt Collection.

Special notice

This lot is exempt from Sales Tax. Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

It is rather unusual to find a horse tethered to a tree rather than a post, the latter being a very common subject found on Official School bottles of the late 18th/early 19th century. It nonetheless probably carries the same message of the unrealized potential of one who has qualified to become an official. For a further discussion of this subject, see H. Moss, V. Graham, and K. B. Tsang, The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle: The J & J. Collection, New York, 1993, no. 151, and H. Moss, V. Graham, K. B. Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 2, Quartz, Hong Kong, 1998, nos. 302-4.

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