Glass Snuff Bottle in Imitation of Hetian Jade, Qing Style

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Collection

Jade & Hardstone

Period

Qing Style

Overview

A large glass snuff bottle in imitation of Hetian jade, notable for its luminous milky-white body, deeply carved figural decoration, and striking dark green stopper.

Description

This impressive snuff bottle is fashioned in glass made to imitate the soft, lustrous appearance of Hetian jade. The broad rounded body is surmounted by a short neck and a dark green stopper carved with a recumbent beast finial, creating a vivid contrast between the pale vessel and its richly colored top. The overall silhouette is bold and ceremonial, with a strong frontal presentation that gives the piece immediate cabinet presence.

Particularly striking is the relief decoration across the body. Flowing cloud-like bands move horizontally over the surface, creating a sense of movement and atmospheric depth, while the principal face is animated by a high-relief figural scene centered on a long-bearded immortal accompanied by attendant imagery and auspicious motifs. The carving is handled with softness and clarity, allowing the white glass to evoke the visual richness of carved jade while maintaining the translucency and polish distinctive to glass.

Objects of this type are especially admired for the way they translate the language of hardstone carving into another material. Here, the imitation-jade effect, the layered relief work, and the dramatic green finial combine to create a highly decorative object of strong visual impact. Given its substantial scale, the piece is best appreciated not only as a snuff bottle form, but also as a display object valued for sculptural presence, auspicious imagery, and refined craftsmanship.

Details

• Object Type: Snuff Bottle / Snuff Bottle-Form Display Vessel

• Material: Glass in imitation of Hetian jade

• Decoration: High-relief figural and cloud motifs; dark green stopper with beast finial

• Height: 30 cm

• Width: 22 cm

• Weight: 3119 g

• Origin: China

Condition

Overall in good display condition, with minor surface wear and age-related characteristics consistent with glass objects of this type. Natural variations in tone, polish, and carving detail are in keeping with the material and decorative treatment.

Authenticity & Attribution Note

This bottle is offered as a work in Qing style. The attribution is based on material character, form, decorative vocabulary, and comparative visual judgment, and should be understood as stylistic rather than as an absolute guarantee of dynastic period. The description of the figural subject is based on visual interpretation and should be read accordingly.