Two snuff bottles, comprising one of agate carved with a sage…
click the photo to enlarge
Two snuff bottles, comprising one of agate carved with a sage and two boys, with a bat in flight above, using the brown markings in the mushroom coloured stone; and a tortoiseshell bottle carved with basket weave, stoppers, wood stand, (5), 6 cm high; and 7.5 cm high

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Tortoiseshell - Tortoiseshell is a translucent material that comes from the horny carapace of a certain types of turtles, including the hawksbill turtle. It is often therefore mounted on a colour underground - often red - or inlaid with gold or silver thread, as seen in Boulle furniture.

    The texture and colour nuances of the material are extremely important. Heated tortoiseshell can easily be formed into various shapes. Like other natural materials, tortoiseshell becomes more beautiful with use. In a time before plastic, tortoiseshell was widely used for small objects such as combs and powder compacts.

    In 1973, the trade of tortoiseshell worldwide was banned under CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Prior to importing or exporting items containing tortoiseshell a CITES permit must be obtained. Tortoiseshell items cannot be traded on Ebay.

    "Faux tortoiseshell", another case of man initiating nature, is made from old-style plastics such as celluloid and cellulos and is coloured with red, yellow and brown spots to imitate the genuine article. It is commonly used in glasses frames, musical instruments and costume jewellery.
  • Agate - Agate is a type of semi-precious gemstone that is made up of silica dioxide, a mineral that is also found in quartz. It is known for its distinctive banded patterns, which are created as layers of silica are deposited in different colours including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. It is often used in jewellery, decorative objects, and other decorative items, and it is prized for its beauty and durability. Agate is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, India, and the United States.
  • Basket Weave / Basketweave - Basket weave is a decorative pattern that is often used in textiles, ceramics, furniture and other decorative arts. It is created by actual or simulated interweaving of horizontal and vertical threads or strips to create a pattern that resembles a woven basket.

    In textiles, basket weave can be created using various materials such as fabric, yarn, or ribbon. It is often used to create decorative details on clothing, upholstery, and other household items. Simulated basket weave can also be created using ceramic clay, timber or other materials, and it is often used to decorate pottery, tiles, furniture, silver and other decorative objects.

    Basket weave patterns can vary in complexity, from simple, straightforward designs to more intricate, elaborate patterns. The size and spacing of the interwoven threads or strips can also be varied to create different effects. Basket weave is often used to create a natural, rustic look and is often associated with traditional crafts and folk art.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

A Laque Burgaute snuff bottle meticulously inlaid with foil and mother of pearl, 5.5 cm high

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Two similar Chinese ceramic snuff bottles, one painted with horses, the other painted with children, both signed. Height taller 8 cm. (2)

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Mirek Smisek, specimen bottle vase, impressed mark, 16.5 cm high

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A porcelain snuff bottle Molded & painted in famille rose Enamels, four character mark to base, 19th/20th century, with two boys at play on front & reverse within a peach shape, height 6.5 cm. Provenance: private South African collection

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.