Inside-painted glass snuff bottle with portrait of Liang Dunyan by Ma Shaoxuan, Qing dynasty

This exceptional snuff bottle is crafted from clear glass and features exquisite inside-painted artistry characteristic of the late Qing dynasty master Ma Shaoxuan.

The bottle is rectangular with a flat belly, generous shoulders, a wide mouth, and an oval foot ring. Measuring 6.5 cm in height, the vessel serves as a canvas for complex interior miniature painting, a technique requiring the artist to paint in reverse on the interior walls. One side depicts a detailed, lifelike portrait of the prominent diplomat Liang Dunyan (1858–1924) dressed in official court attire, complete with a cap and traditional beads.

The shading and light effects demonstrate a strong Western stylistic influence. The reverse side features elegant, rigid, and well-structured regular script calligraphy, which includes congratulatory remarks authored by the scholar-official Liu Yongheng. Ma Shaoxuan was celebrated for his signature style of combining poetry and portraiture, often utilizing calligraphic styles reminiscent of Ouyang Xun. This piece likely functioned as a commemorative gift for a high-ranking official, combining artistic technical mastery with historical documentary significance.