--- title: "Chinese Molded Lapis-Style Glass Snuff Bottle, Late 19th to Early 20th Century | Curiosa.com" description: "A molded glass snuff bottle designed to imitate natural lapis lazuli, featuring high-relief decoration of birds and blossoming prunus branches. The body disp..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Product", "name": "Chinese Molded Lapis-Style Glass Snuff Bottle, Late 19th to Early 20th Century", "description": "A molded glass snuff bottle designed to imitate natural lapis lazuli, featuring high-relief decoration of birds and blossoming prunus branches. The body displays a deep cobalt blue base color with mottled ochre and earthy inclusions intended to mimic the pyrite and calcite veins found in natural stone. 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The body displays a deep cobalt blue base color with mottled ochre and earthy inclusions intended to mimic the pyrite and calcite veins found in natural stone. It is topped with a carnelian-colored glass collar and a green glass cabochon stopper, likely lacking its original ivory or bone spoon. Compare with other Asian art pieces in the archive: [Chinese Archaistic Carved Jade Figure, Hongshan/Shang Style](https://curiosa.com/archive/asian/archaistic-chinese-style-carved-hardstone-figure), [Balinese Art Deco Wooden Sculpture of a Winged Celestial (Kinnari)](https://curiosa.com/archive/asian/balinese-art-deco-winged-celestial-figure), [Chinese Archaistic 'Taotie' and 'Chilong' Jade Pendant](https://curiosa.com/archive/asian/chinese-archaistic-hardstone-pendant). ## DYNASTY & PROVENANCE During the Late Qing Dynasty and Republican period (1880–1940), glassmakers in Beijing and Guangzhou specialized in 'imitation stone' glass, as documented in Moss, Graham, and Kaefel's 'The Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles'. Glass was valued for its ability to mimic more expensive materials like ... During the Late Qing Dynasty and Republican period (1880–1940), glassmakers in Beijing and Guangzhou specialized in 'imitation stone' glass, as documented in Moss, Graham, and Kaefel's 'The Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles'. Glass was valued for its ability to mimic more expensive materials like lapis lazuli, jade, and realgar, making these artistic objects accessible to a broader class of literati and merchant officials. Read full story ## SCARCITY Average 55-70% Common Legendary Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall. Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 33 asian items at rarity 4 or higher. ### Typical Characteristics - Standard antique shop items - Regularly available - Moderate collector interest ### AUTHENTICITY CONFIDENCE Moderate (55% confidence) #### Confidence Factors - Mold seams are partially obscured by heavy mottling, common in late 19th-century mass-production - Mottling appears applied/surface-level rather than integrated throughout the glass melt - Stopper assembly is inconsistent with period-correct high-quality examples [How does authenticity detection work?](/fake-art-detection) ## ASIAN ART SCHOLAR'S TAKE Asian Art Specialist East Asian Art Expert The form and 'Lapis-style' glass are well-documented. However, the lack of a clear view of the footrim and internal hollowing prevents a definitive move to 'High' confidence. ### KEY EVIDENCE - 1 Material shows characteristic 'pitting' and luster of late 19th-century imitation glass. - 2 Form and motif (Prunus/Bird) are standard for the 1890-1920 export and domestic markets. - 3 Mottled effect is a known technique for simulating Lapis Lazuli without the cost of the semi-precious stone. - 4 Small neck diameter is consistent with functional snuff spoon usage common in the Republican period. ### UNCERTAINTIES - • Blurry focus on the footrim prevents confirmation of hand-finishing versus machine-grinding. - • The luster appears slightly too 'waxy,' which can sometimes indicate modern resin, though glass is the primary evidence. ### WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY - → Provide a sharp photograph of the base/footrim to check for wear and grinding marks. - → Check if the object is cold to the touch (glass) or warms quickly (resin/plastic). - → Remove the stopper to inspect the internal neck for manual hollowing marks. COLLECTOR GLOSSARY (2 terms) ## CONDITION & GRADE ### Condition The relief carving shows softening of edges consistent with mold-wear and handling. Surface grime is present in the crevices of the prunus branches, and the stopper appears to be a later association or lacks its original spoon. ## ASIAN ART VALUATION $80 - $250 Updated: May 10, 2026 How we estimate value ### Who buys this Snuff bottle enthusiasts and collectors of late Qing/Republican era Chinese export glass. ### What increases value - • Integrity of the high-relief molding - • Presence of the stopper (even if associated) - • Success of the 'stone' imitation ### What lowers value - • Chips to the delicate high-relief bird wings - • Evidence of modern resin casting instead of true glass - • Missing snuff spoon ### What makes top-tier examples - • Hand-carved definition over the molded base - • Authentic period-correct stoppers with coral or jadeite - • Seamlessly integrated metallic 'pyrite' flakes in the glass ### Grade & condition Sharpness of molding, lack of surface chips, and accuracy of mineral representation. ### Rarity & demand Average Moderate demand Moderate liquidity [Browse similar asian objects](/archive/asian) For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal. ## FROM THE CABINET OF [BR ](/cabinet/bruinsma) [ ### bruinsma ](/cabinet/bruinsma) The Connoisseur • 59 items [View Full Cabinet](/cabinet/bruinsma) ### COMMENTS No comments yet. 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