A SHADOW AGATE ‘BIRD’ SNUFF BOTTLE, 1750-1850China. Well hollowed, of rounded rectangular form rising from an oval foot with a recessed base to a straight cylindrical neck. The translucent stone of a misty-gray tone with dark brown patches carved to form a bird perched on a rock.Provenance: From a European private collection, acquired prior to 2007.Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and little nibbling. The stone with natural fissures, some of which may have developed into thin hairline cracks over time.Stopper: Stained antlerWeight: 59.1 gDimensions: Height including stopper 70 mm. Diameter neck 20 mm and mouth 9 mm.Expert’s note: Shadow agate snuff bottles are characterized by motifs that leave room for interpretation by the observer. While to this author, the present bottle clearly depicts a bird perched on a rock, others may see a mammal instead.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Christie’s London, 9 November 2012, lot 1088Price: GBP 10,625 or approx.EUR 18,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: Two shadow agate snuff bottles, 18th/19th centuryExpert remark:pare the related form, motif, and size (67 mm). Note that the lotprises two snuff bottles.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: New York, 21 September 2020, lot 100Price: USD 3,187 or approx.EUR 3,300 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A shadow agate snuff bottle, 1770-1850Expert remark:pare the related form and motif. Note the size (55 mm).1750-1850年瑪瑙鳥紋鼻煙壺中國，掏膛良好，直頸，方形削肩，橢圓形圈足；半透明的灰色調石料，上面刻有深棕色斑塊，形如一隻立在岩石上的鳥。