1800-1890

While the finest gemstones of aquamarine are of flawless blue color, pieces large enough to be fashioned into a snuff bottle are never flawless. As seen here, the material is permeated with natural flaws, which refract the light and add a complementary shimmering effect to the material.

For a discussion of the Qiao Sisters, see Ma Zengshan, Inside-Painted Snuff Bottle Artist Ma Shaoxuan (1867-1939), Maryland, 1997, pp. 32-35.