A 'PEANUT AGATE AND DATE' SNUFF BOTTLE
1750-1860
Of pebble form with rounded shoulders, the brown stone very well-hollowed, carved in relief in the form of a wrinkled Chinese date with ochre inclusions carved as peanuts, one on the shoulder, the others forming a 'foot', a flowering prunus towards the mouth; stopper.
2 1/4in (5.7cm) high
Footnotes:
1750-1860 瑪瑙刻「早生貴子」鼻煙壺一件

Provenance:
Collection of Dr. Paula Hallett
Sotheby's New York, December 2, 1985, lot 69
Joan and Ted Dorf Collection, no. 87

There are two unusual features on this bottle. Firstly, unlike most of the examples from this group, this bottle stands on the carved peanuts which, in effect, form a foot. Secondly, the addition of a carved prunus branch is especially unusual. It symbolizes hope as it is the first flower to bloom as the winter ends. The combination of a Chinese date and peanuts forms the rebus symbolizing wishes for a speedy and early arrival of male children.

The placement of the carved 'peanuts' at the base allows the bottle to stand upright, giving it a rare profile. There are minute chips to the complementary stopper.