Lot 66. A very rare and finely enamelled glass 'quails' snuff bottle, Imperial, Palace Workshops, Beijing, Qianlong four-character mark in blue enamel and of the period (1736-1795); 1 ¾ in. (4.5 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000. Price realised GBP 50,000. © Christie’s Images Limited 2015.

The exterior of the bottle is exquisitely decorated with a continuous scene depicting five quails amidst colourful leafy sprays of peony and millet, below a blue ruyi border to the shoulder and a band of ruby scrolls encircling the neck. The bottle is supported on a short ring foot. The gilt-metal stopper is decorated with a stylised dragon design, stopper. 

Provenance: Acquired from the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society Convention, Portland, Oregon, on 16 October 2012.
With Robert Kleiner, London.
From the collection of Margaret Kaufman.
The collection of an important private Asian collector.