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
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1196230
Dateline of this antique is 1920
Height is 10.5cm (4.1inches)Width is 0cm (0.0inches)Depth is 0cm (0.0inches)
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