Vintage Kalahari Jasper Snuff Bottle

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Kalahari Jasper, it is so named because its sandy colors that resembled the sands of the Kalahari Desert. It can … Read more Kalahari Jasper, it is so named because its sandy colors that resembled the sands of the Kalahari Desert. It can also be called Painted Jasper because the designs on the bottle resembles modern abstract paintings. The form of snuff bottle is dependent how the carver views the stone, and how he/she can utilize the stone to give the best shape possible. The result here is a very handsome, and well proportioned snuff bottle. The carver was able to show off the beauty of the various tones - from light beige to a rich rust, outlined by a deeper brown line.
The flattened oblong shape tapers to a raised oval foot. The straight neck rests on the sloping shoulders. The top is concave with the opening at the center, a good sign of age. It is fitted with a custom made top of a light beige color jasper on a black collar which is a very nice contrast. The stopper closes with a snape, which is a specialty of the English collector from whom I purchased this bottle. He was with the British Navy in the late 1970's which allowed him the opportunities to purchase snuff bottles all along the China coast and Southeast Asia. The bottles he purchased are unique and better made than the snuff bottles made in this century. See less