An Imperial cinnabar lacquer snuff bottle with dragons and pearls, 1780-1860.  Photo Bonhams

Of rounded cylindrical form, with a flat copper lip, and a circular foot rim lacquered black, the body carved deeply with five five-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls amid a ground of crashing waves. 3 1/4in (8.3cm) high. Sold for US$6,000 

剔紅太上五爪龍紋鼻煙壺

Provenance: Christie's, London, October 12, 1987 lot 156

Property of Dr. Martin Roshco

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Snuff Bottles, 20 Mar 2012, New York www.bonhams.com