Lot 236

3 Chinese Bone Snuff Jars & Carved Stone Seal

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3 Chinese Bone Snuff Jars & Carved Stone Seal

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $250

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty to Republic era, ca. 19th to 20th century CE. A small and varied collection comprising four snuff bottles crafted from bone, elephant ivory, and wood, as well as a carved stone chop seal. One of the snuff bottles, the smallest in the group, depicts an erotic scene. A large bone bottle features an inscription alongside a depiction of a sage - an arhat or immortal - distinguished by the characteristically long eyebrows. Another bone-carved bottle presents a scene with female figures, while a larger bottle, skillfully carved from ivory, showcases figures and architectural motifs in high relief

The accompanying chop seal, carved from stone, appears to be of more recent manufacture. Its stamping face remains unengraved, suggesting it was either left unfinished or intended for later customization. Size of relief carved jar: 2" W x 3.5" H (5.1 cm x 8.9 cm)

This item is made of or contains elephant ivory and is classified under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) as an exempt piece. Due to federal and state regulations regarding the sale of ivory, this item cannot be shipped internationally or to individuals residing in the following U.S. states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Additionally, buyers are responsible for ensuring that their purchase complies with all local laws and regulations concerning ivory. We guarantee that this piece meets the criteria for an ESA antique exemption under U.S. Federal law, however, we advise buyers to consult with their local authorities to confirm their ability to legally acquire, possess, trade, or sell this item in your state of residence.

Provenance: private Las Vegas, Nevada, USA collection

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

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Item # 194752

  • Condition: Good. Patina. Smallest bottle lid is not removable. Missing spatulas on the 2 other bottles. Nicks and abrasions, but otherwise good condition.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000