A shadow agate snuff bottle - 1740-1820

Of compressed globular form with a flat lip and a recessed foot, the well-hollowed pale amber body displaying dark brown inclusions, masterfully utilized to depict a sage seated beneath a pine tree overlooking a crenellated city wall, the rock on which he sits inscribed with the characters cong yunhai de lan tianshan (viewing the heavenly mountains from the sea of clouds), another sage gazing at the inscription as a dragon emerges from the clouds beside him, metal-mounted coral stopper. 5.3cm (2 1/8in) high. (3). - Estimate: HK$100,000 - 150,000, £6,400 - 9,600  - Unsold.

Footnote: 1740-1820年 瑪瑙巧作雲海天山鼻煙壺

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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