Chinese Snuff Bottle Discussion Forum 中國鼻煙壺討論論壇

Dear members,

I picked this one up in an Amsterdam antiques arcade from a Chinese seller who had just a few SBs. The bottle is 6.5cm high - Mouth & lip dimensions are 0.60/1.20 cm. Is this a colour of glass others are familiar with when thinking about old bottles? I was thinking if authentic this bottle could be late 18th to early 19th... or maybe it was made last week :) There isn't really any signs of a patina to comment upon even under a loupe - there could be some pitting/scatching, but it's hard to tell as the light tends to hit the polished surface and obliterates detail. Any advice much appreciated as always...

Cheers
Luke

Luke,

Is this referred to as "cafe au lait" glass?

Cheers,

Rube.

Hi Rube,

I've heard that term also, but cannot find any other examples when I google it. I think 'cafe au lait' can also be used to describe some porcelain bottles. I've also heard the term caramel glass - this particular colour doesn't seem to be as common as yellow or that sky blue opaque glass I've seen. There is one incredibly similar bottle apart from some carving on both sides on the e-Yaji site but you need a login to see it...

Luke

Hi Luke,

Caramel as a colour crops up now and again and I've seen it most on overlay bottles. Yours looks an unusual colour and shape ! I found a slightly similar shape and in a different swirly deep greenish caramel colour that is ex Marian Meyer Collection, also 6.5 cm but with an indented flat foot.

Regards, Adrian.

Hi Adrian,

Thanks for the reference. I found the bottle you mention in that collection. I agree the brown colour of my bottle doesn't seem to match up with that example or the deeper orange brown or translucent variations that I've also found. When I shine a light inside it does give off a nice deep orange glow. There is very little to go on with this bottle as it is so plain. Although, I think the shape including the foot/mouth seems right to me. Anyway, it looks nice with the other bottles in my collection. I will leave it there for now and try and find a perhaps a green cabochon to make a stopper!

Best,
Luke

I agree Luke...

I can not add anything to your bottle, but want to say congratulations on a nice one !

Dear Luke,

      I like the shape and colour of the bottle, but can't tell if it is 'right'.
I think it is, but could not swear to it.
Best,
Joey

Thanks George! I like these simple ones...

Dear Joey,

Yeah, really hard to say. Especially from the pictures I've posted here. I also feel it may be or may not be authentic... not many clues to go with on this one...

Best,
Luke