TWO CAMEO-CUT AGATE SNUFF BOTTLES
Qing Dynasty
Each deftly incorporating the naturally-occurring russet-coloured inclusions within the stone into the design, the first carved in deep relief with a cockerel and foliage to one side, stopper; the second with a crane beneath pine to one side and a deer to the reverse, stopper. The tallest bottle (with stopper): 7.2cm (2 7/8in) high (2).
Footnotes:
Provenance: An English private collection, and thence by descent.

Both: in good overall condition, free of any obvious major visible damages. Due to a degree of veining and coloured inclusions within the stone, blemishes can be detected, where these naturally occurring fissures and flaws make their appearance upon the surface and when on sharp edges occasionally appearing as minor 'nicks'.

One minute chip located on crest of cockerel's head.