Vintage Clear Blue Snuff Bottle Decorated With Stylized Dragons

The beautiful rich blue color is consistent with Beijing Glass produced during the Chinese Republican Period (CE 1912 6 1949.) After the establishment of a democratic China, and in order to establish trade with Europe and America, the revival of Chinese art and crafts was encouraged. Master craftsmen who formally worked in the Qing Palace Workshops were asked to set up their own establishments to train apprentices for the purpose of producing works of art. Many fine snuff bottles of superior quality were made during this period.

This bottle has a flattened globular shape with sloping shoulders on which are carved with reclining stylized baby dragons whose tails are looped around the oval base. (A rather interesting treatment of the foot.) The top is flat but the opening is off centered which explains why the agate cap on black disc is not sitting straight. The bottle is light and it feels good in the hand.

Dating: Chinese Republic Period, circa 1920’s to 1930’s

Dimensions: 2 inches wide, 3/4 inch deep and 2 3/4 inches high