A_banded_agate_snuff_bottle

A banded agate snuff bottle, 1800-1920. Photo Bonhams

Of compressed ovoid form, well-hollowed with concave lip and straight foot enclosed in an oval footrim, the stone a dynamic combination of translucent and opaque ivory, caramel, and russet striations; 2 1/4in (5.7 cm) high. Estimate: US$2,000 - 3,000

Property from the Norman Stiller Collection, San Francisco, California

Bonhams. Fine Asian Art, 21 Jun 2011, San Francisco www.bonhams.com