Three Chinese Agate, Bone & Porcelain Snuff Jars (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 223)

$385.50

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A collection of three snuff bottles in varied materials. One is carved bone fitted with a dark cowhorn lid, its sides engraved with a standing courtesan, a mountainous landscape, and lines of calligraphy. Another is formed from banded agate in a smooth egg-shaped silhouette, with the bone spoon now loose inside the vessel. The third is porcelain decorated in famille rose enamels with figural and avian scenes set within a landscape setting. Size: 1.75″ W x 2.25″ H (4.4 cm x 5.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s

Condition: Bone jar is missing the base, and is completely open. Agate and porcelain jar are missing their lids. The spatula is stuck inside the agate jar.