A carved purple glass snuff bottle. mid Qing dynasty

Of spherical form rising from a short splayed foot ring, carved on either side with a medallion of archaistic confronted qilins, the sides with lion mask and ring handles, the glass of a deep lilac colour, in imitation of amethyst, stopper. 5.5cm (2¼in) high. (2). Sold for HK$33,600

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Paintings, 21 May 2009. Island Shangri-La Hong Kong Hotel, Admiralty, Hong Kong www.bonhams.com