The sale of 170 antique Chinese snuff bottles from the celebrated Mary and George Bloch Collection: Part IV looks sure to set records at the Bonhams Autumn Auction.
Three previous sales saw an enthusiastic response, with collectors keen to snap up these masterpieces, many of which were commissioned for the Imperial Court of the Qianlong era. Among the most eye-catching this time is a 'famille-rose' enamelled glass snuff bottle from the palace workshops in Beijing from 1736-1760. At 8.07cm high, what sets it apart are the distinctly European subjects on all four panels and trompe l'oeil frames (HK$4.9 million to HK$9 million). Also coveted is lot 166, in enamelled copper and gold with a continuous 'blossoming prunus' design. This Kangxi -era workmanship, is expected to sell for HK$1.5 million plus.