Snuff bottle - Realgar - REALGAR SNUFF BOTTLE
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Selected by Sarah Le Helley
Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,500
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An antique Qing Dynasty realgar glass snuff bottle from China, 6.8 cm high and 4.5 cm wide, made of orange‑yellow glass with deep cinnabar‑red swirls, topped with a pale green jadeite stopper with cork and an integral spoon, in excellent condition and attributed as Original with provenance from an auction house.
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Description from the seller
A Chinese glass "Realgar" imitation snuff bottle, expertly crafted of flattened globular form, designed to imitate the appearance of natural realgar. With a short, waisted neck and a small, recessed oval foot. Topped with a contrasting pale green jadeite stopper featuring a cork and integral spoon. The base bears a hand-written collector's or inventory mark "86" in black ink. The translucent orange-yellow glass is heavily swirled and mottled with patches of deep, opaque cinnabar-red, capturing the characteristic "beauty" of the natural mineral. Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Measurements: H: 6.8 x W: 4.5 x D: 3 cm.
Condition: Excellent, with minor surface wear consistent with age. No visible chips or cracks to the body.
Provenance: From an old French private collection, ex. Robert Hall Sale 1990 by repute.
Realgar was highly prized in Chinese culture for its supposed mystical properties and its ability to ward off evil spirits, though its toxicity made glass imitations a popular and practical alternative for daily use during the Qing Dynasty.
Registered and insured shipping.
A Chinese glass "Realgar" imitation snuff bottle, expertly crafted of flattened globular form, designed to imitate the appearance of natural realgar. With a short, waisted neck and a small, recessed oval foot. Topped with a contrasting pale green jadeite stopper featuring a cork and integral spoon. The base bears a hand-written collector's or inventory mark "86" in black ink. The translucent orange-yellow glass is heavily swirled and mottled with patches of deep, opaque cinnabar-red, capturing the characteristic "beauty" of the natural mineral. Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Measurements: H: 6.8 x W: 4.5 x D: 3 cm.
Condition: Excellent, with minor surface wear consistent with age. No visible chips or cracks to the body.
Provenance: From an old French private collection, ex. Robert Hall Sale 1990 by repute.
Realgar was highly prized in Chinese culture for its supposed mystical properties and its ability to ward off evil spirits, though its toxicity made glass imitations a popular and practical alternative for daily use during the Qing Dynasty.
Registered and insured shipping.
Details
Glass type
Realgar
Era
1400-1900
Title additional information
REALGAR SNUFF BOTTLE
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
China
Material
Glass
Dynastic style/period
Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Style
Antique
Provenance
Auction house
Colour
Orange, Yellow
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Attribution
Original
Height
6.8 cm
Sold with stand
No
Width
4.5 cm
Depth
3 cm
Estimated period
1800-1850, 1850-1900
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