An imperial yellow glass snuff bottle, Chinese, 1780-1880.

The bottle is carved as a fruit, enveloped by leaves and budding stalks, with a butterfly resting on one side, 5.5cm.

This style of carving is most often found on jade pieces.

Imperial yellow can vary from pale lemon yellow to a rich dark egg yolk colour, and as the term suggests, it was traditionally reserved strictly for imperial use.

REFERENCE: CSBG.39

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