An enamel on copper 'dragon' snuff bottle. Probably Imperial, Palace Workshops, Guangzhou, 1720-1750. Estimate US$ 5,000 - 7,000 (€4,400 - 6,200). Photo Bonhams.

Very well-hollowed, the elongated ovoid bottle with a spreading neck, thin lip, raised oval foot, painted in enamels on a blue ground with two dynamic dragons amid cloud scrolls to the front and back, one with its mouth wide open, revealing sharp teeth, the other with a raised head and breathing out a flaming pearl. 2 7/8in (7.3cm) high

Provenance: Robert Kleiner, Hong Kong convention, October 1996

Bonhams. Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Collection of Barbara and Marvin Dicker, 16 Mar 2015 10:00 EDT- NEW YORK