China Qing snuff-box in carved amethyst and silver...

Remarkable Chinese snuff bottle in carved amethyst, dating from the first half of the 19th century, under the Qing dynasty, circa 1825. The body of the bottle is cut from a beautiful amethyst quartz displaying a rich palette of tones ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. The stone naturally preserves areas that are more translucent, crystalline veils, and internal variations that give each face a depth and a different appearance depending on the lighting. The two large faces are relief-carved with a scene combining blooming peonies, birds, and branches, in the early 19th-century Chinese decorative tradition. Peonies, highly valued in Qing arts, are traditionally associated with prosperity, elegance, and prestige. One of the most remarkable elements of this bottle is its elaborate silver filigree mount. It forms a true openwork framing around the amethyst, with finely worked bands on the sides and around the neck. On both faces, metal elements depicting stylized rocks complete the stone-carved décor, creating a composition that combines lapidary work and metalwork. The base is also carefully surrounded by twisted and intertwined silver work. The entire mount precisely follows the bottle’s profile, which attests to a design specific to this snuff bottle rather than a simple generic mount attached later. The snuff bottle retains its domed red-orange coral stopper, mounted on cork, as well as its antique spoon. Dimensions: 7.7 × 4 × 2.5 cm. Weight: 101.8 g. The overall condition is good considering its age. The amethyst shows natural inclusions, veils, and cracks characteristic of crystal. The silver mount shows an antique patina, a few small deformations, and traces of use consistent with its age. The detailed photographs are an integral part of the condition description. Provenance: former British private collection; documented provenance since 1970; then European private collection. The piece is accompanied by its old documentation as well as a Mimosa certificate of authenticity. A particularly appealing snuff bottle due to the uncommon combination of carved amethyst, silver filigree, and the coral stopper, reinforced by long-documented provenance dating back more than half a century. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hz3dqjyjzrc947s7lgtzu/ADVZyAUXn22nyrLT_PHY9M8?rlkey=mpocwsi4nn2khzch8d2fj1xye&dl=0

Estimate:£2,712.36

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