19th C. MINIATURE NATURAL AMBER SNUFF BOTTLE

Snuff Bottles

$850

Material

AMBER

Color

Amber brown

Origin

China

Age / Period

1800-1849

Dimensions

Height: 1.68 inches (4.3cm), including the stopper, Width: 1.46 inches (3.7cm), Thickness: 0.63inches (1.6cm)

Condition

Estate / Pre-owned

19th C. Rare Natural Amber, (a form of Jet), Well Hollowed, Miniature Snuff Bottle This is a fine, 19th century , flattened, of a circular form Snuff Bottle with a round short neck, flat mouth, and raised flat oval footing. Made of a natural amber, which is thought to be another form of Jet, with cloudy dark inclusions. The bottle is well-hollowed, with thin walls, thus, very light in weight (0.7 ounces). The bottle is translucent, with a dark amber color. It has a smooth and lustrous surface. It comes with a green jade stopper, with spoon. "The use of small, or miniature bottles was very popular in the early decades of the 18th century. They were used as container for gifts of snuff. so as to limit the amount of snuff that would be distributed to guests or the person being treated with the gift. They were also used as containers for rare or precious snuffs. In social circles, it might have served as a status symbol; just flashing a miniature bottle was a subtle way of showing others that one had the ability to judge among the finest grades of snuff" As stated by Hugh Moss and Stuart Sargent in their book: "The Marakovic Collection". This bottle exhibits similar characteristics (size, form, weight, temperature) as a Natural Cherry Amber Snuff Bottle that we are also listing on this store. The bottle is in excellent preserved condition . A similar form snuff bottle is illustrated in 'The Collector's Book of Snuff Bottles", by Bob C. Stevens, Item 717. Style common in the 19th C. Bottle Measurements Height: 1.68 inches (4.3cm), including the stopper Width: 1.46 inches (3.7cm) Thickness: 0.63inches (1.6cm) Weight: 0.4 ounce