A shadow agate snuff bottle - 1740-1820

Of oval section with rounded rectangular outline, carved with one line from Li Bai's poem 'Qiang jin jiu' on one side, the back with a scene illustrating the line that follows of a sage raising his cup full of wine to the moon, as an attendant stands by with two more cups and a pot, the body well hollowed, fashioned from pale yellow stone, skillfully utilizing the dark brown inclusions to highlight the figures, metal-mounted coral stopper. 6.5cm (2½in) high. (3). - Estimate: HK$120,000 - 150,000, £7,700 - 9,600

Footnote: The line inscribed on the bottle from Li Bai's poem 'Qiang jin jiu' reads 'Live life to the fullest'. The next line reads 'never raise your cup empty to the moon'. The figure carved on the snuff bottle is obviously taking this advice to heart as he raises his full cup towards the moon, an empty wine jar beside him, while his attendant stands by with another small pot of wine and two cups. The first character in the title is usually pronounced 'jiang', but when read as 'qiang', it means 'to request'. The title of the poem therefore means 'Please Imbibe', a poetic request by Li Bai to engage in one of his favourite activities.

1740-1820年 瑪瑙巧作將進酒鼻煙壺

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Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Paintings, 29 May 2008. Island Ballroom, Island Shangri-La Hong Kong Hotel, Central, Hong Kong