A 'PEANUT AGATE AND DATE' SNUFF BOTTLE1750-1860 Of pebble form with rounded shoulders, the brown stone very well-hollowed, carved in relief in the form of a wrinkled Chinese date with ochre inclusions carved as peanuts, one on the shoulder, the others forming a 'foot', a flowering prunus towards the mouth; stopper. 2 1/4in (5.7cm) high 1750-1860 瑪瑙刻「早生貴子」鼻煙壺一件 Provenance: Collection of Dr. Paula Hallett Sotheby's New York, December 2, 1985, lot 69 Joan and Ted Dorf Collection, no. 87 There are two unusual features on this bottle. Firstly, unlike most of the examples from this group, this bottle stands on the carved peanuts which, in effect, form a foot. Secondly, the addition of a carved prunus branch is especially unusual. It symbolizes hope as it is the first flower to bloom as the winter ends. Thebination of a Chinese date and peanuts forms the rebus symbolizing wishes for a speedy and early arrival of male children.