A finely carved red glass overlay snuff bottle. Attributed to Beijing, mid Qing dynasty

Of flattened circular form with gently rounded shoulders rising to straight neck, resting on a short oval footring, carved through the rich ruby-red overlay to the 'snowstorm' ground with a wondrous scene of a myriad or immortals, including an aged immortal with a peach seated on a giant bat, a monkey holding a peach aloft, and other immortals, the reverse with immortals on a boat above a raging torrent, stopper. 6.3cm (2½in) high. (2). Estimate: HK$20,000 - 25,000, $2,600 - 3,200. Unsold

Note: For a similar snuff bottle dated to the Jiaqing period, see Yang Boda, Zhongguo Biyanhu Zhenshang, Hong Kong, 1992, p.34.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Paintings, 21 May 2009. Island Shangri-La Hong Kong Hotel, Admiralty, Hong Kong www.bonhams.com