Lot 6004. An enameled and incised porcelain 'dragon' snuff bottle, 1820-1900. Estimate US$ 2,000 - 3,000 (€1,800 - 2,700). Photo: Bonhams.

Of rounded rectangular form, its cylindrical neck incised with a key-fret band, slightly convex lip, glazed interior, painted around the side walls in iron-red with a five-clawed dragon diving through incised waves, all above a border of further wave patterns surrounding a gently inwarded oval foot ring, the recessed base decorated with stylized clouds. 2 1/2in (6.4cm) high

Notes: The body of the dragon on the present bottle is painted in a fashion that is partially interrupted and covered by incised wave patterns, creating a dynamic effect in presenting a mighty dragon charging through turbulent seas. 

Similarly decorated porcelain bottles occur in several important collections, including a nearly identical bottle from the Collection of Brooks and Dorothy Cofield, illustrated on the cover of The International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society Journal, August 2015; further examples are illustrated by Helen White, Snuff Bottles from China. The Victoria and Albert Museum Collection, p. 257, p. 119, and Hugh Moss, Chinese Snuff Bottles From the Collection of the Rt. Hon. The Marquess of Exeter, K.C.M.G., 1974, p.37, fig. C.31.

Bonhams. CHINESE SNUFF BOTTLES FROM TWO PRIVATE AMERICAN COLLECTIONS, 10:00 EDT - NEW YORK