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ID #SA1196230
FOR SALE
£5,950
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Cartier Paris Art Deco 18k Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle
Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €6,962     $7,557
£5,950
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
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    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
Id #SA1196230
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Cartier Paris Art Deco 18k Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle

1900 - 1920
Description

Cartier Paris Art Deco 18K Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle

The "East-Meets-West" Masterpiece

A rare and significant "Object of Vertu" from the 1920s, this bottle represents the height of Cartier Paris’s fascination with Orientalism. By mounting an antique 19th-century Chinese carved agate bottle in 18K yellow gold, Cartier transformed a traditional snuff bottle into a high-luxury scent flask for the Parisian elite.

The Stone: Fine Chinese honey-toned "shadow" agate, expertly carved in high relief with the "Bogu" (Precious Objects) motif, signifying scholarly refinement.

The Architecture: Sophisticated bimetal construction featuring solid 18K yellow gold tiers accented with finely chased silver-toned foliate borders.

The Finial: An original gold-mounted stopper crowned with a polished carnelian cabochon.

The Marks: Struck with the French Eagle’s Head (18K gold guarantee) and a jeweler’s lozenge mark to the base.

Dimensions: Height 10.5 cm. Inc Stopper

Condition Report

The Metal: The 18K gold mounts remain structurally sound and retain a rich, deep luster. The base exhibits natural tarnishing and surface oxidation consistent with age, particularly where the silver-toned accents meet the gold.

The Stone: The carved agate is in overall excellent condition with no visible cracks or significant chips to the high-relief "Precious Objects" carving.

Signatures: The "Paris" stamp is clearly visible on the underside of the base, while the "Cartier" signature is finely engraved on the upper metal collar.

The Stopper: Fits securely; the carnelian cabochon is intact with a smooth, polished surface.

Provenance:- The G S May Esquire Private Collection, London

Physical Dimensions
Height
10.5cm (4.13")
Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Art Deco Agate Snuff Bottle to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1196230
Description
Cartier Paris Art Deco 18K Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle

The "East-Meets-West" Masterpiece

“
A rare and significant "Object of Vertu" from the 1920s, this bottle represents the height of Cartier Paris’s fascination with Orientalism.
Sandbanks Antiques

By mounting an antique 19th-century Chinese carved agate bottle in 18K yellow gold, Cartier transformed a traditional snuff bottle into a high-luxury scent flask for the Parisian elite.

fig 1. A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper.
fig 1. Cartier Paris Art Deco 18k Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle

The Stone: Fine Chinese honey-toned "shadow" agate, expertly carved in high relief with the "Bogu" (Precious Objects) motif, signifying scholarly refinement.

The Architecture: Sophisticated bimetal construction featuring solid 18K yellow gold tiers accented with finely chased silver-toned foliate borders.

fig 2. A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper.
fig 2. Cartier Paris Art Deco 18k Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle

The Finial: An original gold-mounted stopper crowned with a polished carnelian cabochon.

The Marks: Struck with the French Eagle’s Head (18K gold guarantee) and a jeweler’s lozenge mark to the base.

Dimensions: Height 10.5 cm. Inc Stopper

fig 3. A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper.
fig 3. Cartier Paris Art Deco 18k Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle

Condition Report

The Metal: The 18K gold mounts remain structurally sound and retain a rich, deep luster. The base exhibits natural tarnishing and surface oxidation consistent with age, particularly where the silver-toned accents meet the gold.

fig 4. A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper.
fig 4. Cartier Paris Art Deco 18k Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle

The Stone: The carved agate is in overall excellent condition with no visible cracks or significant chips to the high-relief "Precious Objects" carving.

Signatures: The "Paris" stamp is clearly visible on the underside of the base, while the "Cartier" signature is finely engraved on the upper metal collar.

The Stopper: Fits securely; the carnelian cabochon is intact with a smooth, polished surface.

Provenance:- The G S May Esquire Private Collection, London

Height
10.5cm (4.13")
Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Art Deco Agate Snuff Bottle to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1196230
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper.
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Archive I A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper.

Cartier Paris Art Deco 18k Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle

Archive II A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View II
Archive III A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View III
Archive IV A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View IV
Archive V A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View V
Archive VI A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View VI
Archive VII A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View VII
Archive VIII A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View VIII
Archive IX A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View IX
Archive X A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View X
Archive XI A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XI
Archive XII A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XII
Archive XIII A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XIII
Archive XIV A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XIV
Archive XV A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XV
Archive XVI A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XVI
Archive XVII A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XVII
Archive XVIII A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XVIII
Archive XIX A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XIX
Archive XX A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XX
Archive XXI A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XXI
Archive XXII A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper. View XXII
Enlarged Archival View
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 192
Items Sold 82
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
192
Sold
82
A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper.
Cartier Paris Art Deco 18K Gold & Carved "Shadow" Agate Scent / Snuff Bottle
Ref: SA1196230
A carved brown shadow agate snuff bottle featuring relief figures, set with engraved gold mounts and topped with a polished red domed stopper.
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FAQs

During the Art Deco era, luxury houses incorporated East Asian influences into Western luxury items, pairing carved hardstones such as agate, jade, and lapis lazuli with precious metal mounts.

Lapidary artisans utilised the natural dark inclusions and translucent layers within agate stone, carving relief figures and landscape scenes directly into the contrasting colour variations.

Authentication relies on examining period-correct gold hallmarks, maker marks from established jewellery houses, precise hand-carving techniques, and correct age-related wear on contact points.

These small decorative vessels are styled on display trays, within glass cabinet curio collections, or placed on mantelpieces and bookshelves to introduce historical craftsmanship to a room.

Dust gently using a soft microfibre cloth and avoid harsh chemical polishes or water immersion that could compromise organic stoppers, adhesives, or fine gold engraving.
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