Vintage Inside-Painted Glass Double-Compartment Snuff Bottle With Insect Motif

Details

Description

This is a fascinating and unusual vintage snuff bottle crafted from clear glass. It features a unique asymmetrical, double-compartment form: … Read more This is a fascinating and unusual vintage snuff bottle crafted from clear glass. It features a unique asymmetrical, double-compartment form: a larger, bulbous main bottle attached to a smaller, secondary bottle-like extension, both joined by a central clear glass handle and resting on a wide, flat, flared base. Both the main body and the smaller side extension are decorated with intricate miniature "inside painting" (neihua) on their interior surfaces. The scenes depict a traditional "Autumn" motif, featuring vibrant orange pumpkins or gourds with green leaves, and detailed green insects (likely katydids or crickets). Black calligraphy and red seal marks are also painted within the scenes. The piece is topped with two domed, deep blue (lapis-colored) stoppers set in metal collars, and two metal spoons are attached. The glass shows a slightly cloudy, textured appearance, giving it an aged look.

Dimensions:

Width: 8.2 cm (approx. 3.23 inches)

Thickness (Depth): 2.7 cm (approx. 1.06 inches)

Height: 9 cm (approx. 3.54 inches)

Weight: 132 grams (approx. 0.29 lbs)

Inscriptions:
The interior painting includes calligraphy. The most prominent characters read "秋趣" (Qiu Qu), which translates to "Autumn Delight" or "Autumn Interest," perfectly matching the pumpkin and insect scene. See less