OFFICAL SCHOOL, 1780-1850

The natural pattern on the current bottle resembles a tree emerging from rocks. This type of agate, often called mocha stone, is noted for the images in the stone which can resemble a fern or tree, as referred to by the inscription on the current bottle which is called "the green pine." These dark russet designs are caused by manganese or iron oxide deposits in the stone. For a discussion of mocha stone snuff bottles and other agate bottles, see H. Moss, Chinese Snuff Bottles of the Silica or Quartz Group, London, 1971, p. 15, nos. 25 and 26.