A CHALCEDONY AGATE 'THUMB-PRINT' SNUFF BOTTLE 19th century Of generous spade shape supported on a slightly concave base, the translucent honey-coloured stone striated with swirling white and tan concentric bands forming a natural thumb print effect, the sides and reverse with natural inclusions, all under a short neck mounted in a European gilt-metal collar attached to the stopper. 6.9cm (2 3/4in) high including stopper. Footnotes: 十九世紀 瑪瑙鼻煙壺 Provenance: Trudy and John Cohen 來源：Trudy及John Cohen伉儷 Snuff bottles such as the present lot were carved from cross-sections taken from the outer edges of geodes, carefully exploiting the natural bands formed by crystallising chalcedony. The white, thumbprint-shaped inclusion possibly invoked the pale jade belts worn by officials and might have therefore been deliberately highlighted to infuse the bottle with auspicious wishes for promotion. A related 'thumb print' snuff bottle was sold at Bonhams New York, 15 September 2025, lot 137. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing