1770-1880

Details

A CARVED DENDRITIC AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE
1770-1880
The rounded, square bottle is cleverly conceived utilizing the darker brown markings to represent a peacock perched on a rock next to a tree or large blossom. The stone is a soft caramel tone.
2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm.) high, coral stopper with jadeite finial

Provenance

Susan Lapidus (1941-2008) Collection, acquired 1969-2005.

Special notice

Items which contain rubies or jadeite originating in Burma (Myanmar) may not be imported into the U.S. As a convenience to our bidders, we have marked these lots with Y. Please be advised that a purchaser¹s inability to import any such item into the U.S. or any other country shall not constitute grounds for non-payment or cancellation of the sale. With respect to items that contain any other types of gemstones originating in Burma (e.g., sapphires), such items may be imported into the U.S., provided that the gemstones have been mounted or incorporated into jewellery outside of Burma and provided that the setting is not of a temporary nature (e.g., a string).

Sale room notice

Please note that a party [parties] with a financial interest will be bidding on this lot.

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Lot Essay

This elegant bottle represents the group of agate examples that are part natural designs, or shadow-agates, and part silhouette, where a thin surface plane of color has been slightly edited. The scene evoked is a strong image of a proud peacock.

The peacock is the badge of rank for the third level of the nine grades of the civil service. The bird is often depicted standing on a rock with one foot raised as it looks over one shoulder toward the sun.

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