A dragon and phoenix glass overlay snuff bottle, 19th century. Photo Bonhams.

Of upright rounded rectangular form, with a flat lip and wide mouth, the opaque white glass with an overlay of red and blue, with a blue dragon on one side, reversed by a phoenix in red, with a red overlay foot rim with waves under the dragon changing to rocks under the phoenix. 2 1/4in (5.7cm) high. Estimate US$ 4,000 - 6,000 (€2,900 - 4,300)

For a similar red and blue glass overlay bottle see White, Snuff Bottles from China the Victoria and Albert Museum Collection, London, 1992, p. 158 no 3. In addition to the similar palette, the V & A example also has the transforming foot rim to accommodate the terrain of the appropriate creature.

Property from the Collection of Emmanuel Dimitri Gran (1894-1969)

Bonhams.CHINESE ART FROM THE SCHOLAR'S STUDIO. 17 Mar 2014, New York - www.bonhams.com