A GREEN AND BROWN CAMEO AGATE 'SQUIRRELS AND GRAPES' SNUFF BOTTLE
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1750-1850
A GREEN AND BROWN CAMEO AGATE 'SQUIRRELS AND GRAPES' SNUFF BOTTLE, 1750-1850 Expert remark: Bicolor cameo agates displaying distinct green and dark brown layers simultaneously against a warm honey-colored ground are among the rarest naturally occurring agates selected for snuff bottle production.
Very well-hollowed, of compressed globular form standing on an oval footrim, with a subtly waisted neck and flat lip, one main side utilizing the dark brown and green inclusions in the pale honey-colored matrix, carved with two squirrels cavorting among leafy grape vines, further decorated with a fisherman in a sampan near one narrow side. Stopper: Jadeite on a black vinyl collar Weight: 50.5 g Dimensions: Height including stopper 63 mm.
The depiction of a squirrel, or more correctly a tree shrew, climbing among leafy vines is often seen on snuff bottles.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material (listing wording)
- CAMEO AGATE
- Dimensions or weight (listing wording)
- Height including stopper 63 mm. Diameter neck 18 mm and mouth 8 mm.
Identification
- Source note
- Auction-house description published on Invaluable. Attribution and measurements are the auction house’s statements about the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.
- Listing object ID
- 205758014
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Independent confirmation of type attribution and auction-house statements remains research required.