Lot 409. Four agate snuff bottles, 1740-1860. Estimate USD  5,500 - USD 7,500 © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The first, 1750-1840, is well-hollowed and of light brown color with dark brown branch-like patterns in the stone, and has mask-and-ring handles carved on the narrow sides. The second, 1740-1860, is of diminutive size with dark brown markings. The third, 1750-1860, is centered on one side with a red formation in the stone resembling cascading foliage surrounded by white and grey bands. The fourth, 1760-1850, is well-hollowed and has vertical cream-colored bands on one side and circular russet patterning on the reverse. 2 1/8, 1 ¾, 1 ½ and 2 ½ in. (5.4, 4.5, 4.1 and 6.3 cm.) high, glass, glass, aquamarine and tourmaline stoppers

Provenance: First bottle: Hugh Moss (HK) Ltd., Hong Kong, 1996.
Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, no. 2254.
Second bottle: Robert Kleiner, London, 2003.
Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, no. 3784.
Third and fourth bottles: Robert Hall, London, 2012.
Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, nos. 5368 and 5365.

Christie's. The Ruth and Carl Barron Collection of Fine Chinese Snuff Bottles: Part IV, 15 March 2017, New York, Rockefeller Center