1770-1870 Of squat spade shape, the dark stone with a matrix of fine quartz like inclusions which glint at certain angles and appear as a minute dark mottled patches from others, a simple flat oval foot and short very slightly everted cylindrical neck, small mouth. 1 7/8in (4.8cm) high, stopperFootnotes1770-1870年 石化石灰石鼻煙壺 It is very difficult to be absolutely sure of the material used in this handsome little bottle. Close scrutiny of the otherwise black surface appears to show fine quartz-like small dots or circular inclusions within the matrix of the stone, but this is visible at certain angles when held to a strong light. The stone is certainly of a very hard and dense material, and this probably explains the lack of extreme hollowing to the interior. The squat spade shape is one that can be found in a number of hardstone bottles including jade and agates.