A large finely carved yellow glass snuff bottle. Attributed to Beijing, Qianlong

A large finely carved yellow glass snuff bottle. Attributed to Beijing, Qianlong

Of sumptuous pear-shaped form, the compressed body resting on an oval foot and surmounted by a short straight neck, very finely carved in relief on each side with a pair of confronting dragons with ferocious countenances depicted in confrontation and coiled bodies poised in symmetry, evocative of taotie masks on archaic bronzes, all against a brilliant yellow ground, stopper. 7.2cm (2¾in) high. (2). Sold for HK$108,000

Note: A yellow glass bottle of similar high quality archaistic carving, bearing an incised Qianlong seal mark on the base, is illustrated by Denis SK Low, More Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect, Singapore, 2002, p.92, pl.8.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Paintings, 21 May 2009. Island Shangri-La Hong Kong Hotel, Admiralty, Hong Kong www.bonhams.com