Lot Essay
A very rare example, this bottle was likely made as a gift to a visiting Mongolian dignitary. The use of materials and techniques is lavish, particularly the amber glass ground.
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PROBABLY PALACE WORKSHOPS, BEIJING, 1760-1820
Details
A RARE PARCEL-GILT INLAID SILVER AND GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE
PROBABLY PALACE WORKSHOPS, BEIJING, 1760-1820
The bottle consists of a dark amber glass inner bottle encased in an outer silver shell decorated on either side in openwork with scrolling dragons surrounding a central flower-head medallion inset with malachite and coral-colored glass petals encircling a shou character, while the narrow sides have gilt-silver lion-mask and ring handles on vertical foliate straps, all between borders of blue champlevé enamel ruyi heads above the gilt-silver foot and below the gilt-silver neck. The gilt-silver cover is similarly inlaid.
2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) high, matching metal inlaid stopper and metal spoon
PROBABLY PALACE WORKSHOPS, BEIJING, 1760-1820
The bottle consists of a dark amber glass inner bottle encased in an outer silver shell decorated on either side in openwork with scrolling dragons surrounding a central flower-head medallion inset with malachite and coral-colored glass petals encircling a shou character, while the narrow sides have gilt-silver lion-mask and ring handles on vertical foliate straps, all between borders of blue champlevé enamel ruyi heads above the gilt-silver foot and below the gilt-silver neck. The gilt-silver cover is similarly inlaid.
2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) high, matching metal inlaid stopper and metal spoon
Provenance
Hugh Moss (HK) Ltd., Hong Kong, 1998.
Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, no. 2738.
Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, no. 2738.
Special notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
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.
Sale room notice
Please note that this bottle is decorated with coral insets, not coral-colored glass, as indicated in the catalogue description.
Brought to you by
Andrew Lick