Snuff bottle - Realgar - REALGAR SNUFF BOTTLE

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.

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