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Chinese Snuff Bottle Discussion Forum 中國鼻煙壺討論論壇
March 28, 2024, 07:35:24 pm
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Misfired snuff bottle?

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guest539
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« on: December 28, 2015, 05:14:16 pm »

Hi, all. I'm new to the forum and the world of snuff bottles. I inherited the bottle pictured here 16 years ago and know nothing about its origin. It appears to either have been misfired or to have been in a fire, with the surface covered with both burst and unburst bubbles.

The bottle is about 3-1/2" tall. Under a loupe, I see magenta, gold, and silver iridescence throughout the reddish-brown glazed surface. other than the black areas that look charred.

Along the outer rim of the shoulder area, the surface is a shiny, slightly grayish white, with black lines that give the appearance of crackling. Inside the neck, the bottom section looks gray, like the bottom. The top part inside the neck is a matte goldish-tan color, with a rough surface.

I have some questions, please...

1. What would be an educated guess on its age and origin?
1. Does it look like stoneware?
2. Does the glaze look like it was, indeed, misfired?
3. Why would there be iridescence in the glaze?
4. Is the goldish-tan color inside the neck clay or could it be snuff?
5. Any other impressions or thoughts about the bottle?
6. Is it worth anything, or in this condition is it unsaleable?


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rpfstoneman
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« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2015, 05:59:59 pm »

Quote
I have some questions, please...

1. What would be an educated guess on its age and origin?
1. Does it look like stoneware?
2. Does the glaze look like it was, indeed, misfired?
3. Why would there be iridescence in the glaze?
4. Is the goldish-tan color inside the neck clay or could it be snuff?
5. Any other impressions or thoughts about the bottle?
6. Is it worth anything, or in this condition is it unsaleable?

Pat P,

I cannot speak to all your questions, but I'll attempt a few of them.

The bottle appears to be bisque clay, and not a stoneware, from what I can see of the unglazed foot.

In my younger days I was a Seasonal Firefighter for a number of years to help get myself through college. I have seen a number of burned items and melted glass in the aftermath of house and wildland fires.  This looks like it has gone to a fire at some point, and often because of the chemical reactions and oxidation during such fires a number of glazed items and glass will have an iridescence surface as a result.

Is it worth anything?  Likely no, unless it was an heirloom that had some sentimental value to one of your family members.

Hope this helps, Charll
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Charll K Stoneman, Eureka, California USA, Collector Since 1979.

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« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2015, 06:04:32 pm »

Looks like it must have stayed standing up through the fire, as the base is untouched.  It's a survivor !
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guest539
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« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2015, 06:39:33 pm »

Thanks for your replies, Charll and George... much appreciated.  Smiley

From what I read in the forum, it sounds like most collectors want bottles with the best surface treatment that feels good to the touch? In its present condition, my bottle is quite the opposite!

Are there any collectors of oddball snuff bottles, or is this one far beyond being an oddball? (In other words, is there any point to listing it on eBay?)

Pat
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« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2015, 07:43:15 pm »

I think it is just odd enough that it will attract attention on eBay.  So long as you don't have any great expectations, I would go for it..

If I had to guess, bet it could fetch 50.00 !
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guest539
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« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2015, 07:53:01 pm »

Well, that would be nice! I guess I'll give it a shot.

Is there any way to approximate the age and origin?
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