A COBWEB CRYSTAL SNUFF BOTTLE1750-1860 Of flattened, rounded form with shoulders sloping to a cylindrical neck and with a neatly carved oval footrim, the sides with mock-mask-and-ring handles, very well-hollowed, the stone suffused with characteristic mesh patterns reminiscent of a cobweb pattern; stopper. 2 1/2in (6.3cm) high 1750-1860 水晶天然網狀紋鼻煙壺一件 Provenance: Dr. Paula Hallett Sotheby's New York, December 2, 1985, Fine Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Collection of Dr. Paula Hallett, lot 168 Joan and Ted Dorf Collection, no. 116 It is up to the ability of the carver to let the material of a bottle shine through. In this case the carver has left the cloud-like opaque crystal bottle unadorned except for the mask handles on the sides so that the 'cobweb' or 'sea-spray' crystal is uncluttered in its appeal. Even its form is simple, but highly appealing when held in the hand.