A LARGE ‘SEA-SPRAY’ AMETHYST SNUFF BOTTLE
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1750-1850
Very well hollowed, of compressed square form with rounded shoulders, concave lip and recessed oval foot surrounded by a foot rim, and the narrow sides crisply carved with lion mask-and-ring handles.
The translucent stone is of pale purple color suffused with vapor-like inclusions. Diameter neck 27 mm and mouth 8 mm. The present snuff bottle is crafted from crystalline quartz, here in a rich amethyst variety, which is occasionally found exhibiting a delicate network of markings reminiscent of cracked ice or sea spray. When filled with snuff, these natural features become more pronounced, transforming the bottle into an abstract composition in which the interplay of color, texture, and translucency enhances its aesthetic appeal.
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)
- crystalline quartz, here in a rich amethyst variety
- Dimensions or weight (listing wording)
- Height including stopper 89 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
- 205758029
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.