1820-1900

Details

**AN UNUSUAL AND RARE IVORY AND COCONUT SHELL SNUFF BOTTLE
1820-1900
The bottle of compressed spherical form, composed of a ring of stained ivory carved with pomegranates, peaches, flowers and scrolling vine, inset with two circular coconut shell panels carved with a band of scrolling leaves and vines, stopper
2¼ in. (5.6 cm.) high

Provenance

Christopher Randall
Hugh Moss (HK) Ltd.

Special notice

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

As an increasing desire for novelty grew among the elite users snuff, exotic materials were used in the making of snuff bottles. In many cases, the materials were imported into China from areas such as South East Asia, while others came from China's southern regions. Coconut shell was from the tropical areas of south China, in particular the island of Hainan.

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