China. Well hollowed, the rounded rectangular body supported on an oval foot and rising to a short cylindrical neck, the sides charmingly carved in high relief with two clambering boys with smiling faces. The translucent stone of a pale greenish-blue color with olive and icy inclusions.

Provenance: Gurie Gallery, Montreal, prior to 1970. Collection of Christopher and Genevieve McConnell, acquired from the above. Gurie Gallery, established by the esteemed Gurevich family, traces its origins to Harbin in northeastern China during the first half of the 20th century. Relocating to Canada in the 1950s, the family transplanted its passion for art and design to Montreal, where Gurie Gallery blossomed into a venerable institution within the art and design community. Christopher McConell, a Montreal born engineer and his wife Genevieve, a French doctor of osteopathy and research artist, are both avid collectors of African, Indian, and Chinese art.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and few small nicks. The stone with natural fissures, some of which have developed into thin hairlines cracks.

Stopper: Pink tourmaline on a black platelet, carved spoon
Weight: 35.9 g
Dimensions: Height including stopper 44 mm. Diameter neck 12 mm and mouth 6 mm

Literature comparison:
Compare a related tourmaline snuff bottles carved with boys in high relief, dated 1880-1930, from the Jin Hing Family Collection and exhibited by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Chinese Snuff Bottles from Southern Californian Collectors, 29 October 2016-21 January 2018.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams San Francisco, 21 June 2011, lot 8112
Price: USD 5,124 or approx. EUR 6,400 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A miniature aquamarine snuff bottle, 1850-1900
Expert remark: Compare the related form, manner of carving, and color of the stone. Note the different subject and the size (36 mm).