Two rare Chinese Realgar wine pots , Qing dynasty, formed from variously cut pieces of realgar veneered on a metal frame, canted corners, serpentine spouts and tall arch handles in imitation of canework, approximately 17cm high Found in the southern provinces of China, realgar was believed to contain the essence of gold and, possibly for this reason, became a source of fascination despite its poisonous qualities. It is believed that realgar was mixed with drugs used by Daoists in the quest for the elixir of immortality; thus the stone grew in popularity despite its highly toxic nature and challenging soft crumbly texture. 清 稀有雄黄提梁酒壶一对 Condition Report: some restorations mainly to handles and pieces glued to rim of one cover