An amethyst snuff bottle

An amethyst snuff bottle. Photo Bonhams

Of compressed globular form, well hollowed with flat lip and small recessed oval foot, carved with a chilong confronting a bat in flight reversed by five bats amidst clouds, the purple suffused stone displaying natural inclusions.; 2 1/8in (5.5cm)high. Estimate: US$1,000 - 1,500

Property from the Norman Stiller Collection, San Francisco, California

Bonhams. Fine Asian Art, 21 Jun 2011, San Francisco www.bonhams.com