(13) Chinese Metal-Mounted Bone, Hardstone & Other Snuff Bottles

Lot description

(lot of 13) Chinese patinated metal mounted snuff bottles, varied designs, highlights include: (two) having carved bone reserves, inset red coral and turquoise stones, (one) triangular prism comprised of carved horn, (one) with cloisonne enamel crane motifs, (one) porcelain body with enameled flowers, (one) having round wood body, (one) bone inlaid with calligraphic script and circles, together with: (one) Japanese carved wood inro, sides with reclining horses, some overall losses to inset stones, largest: approx 4"h, 2"w, 1.25"d, smallest: approx 2.75"h, 1 1/8"w, 1 1/8"d, 4lbs total Provenance: From the estate of Dorothy Jean McPhaul, whose small East Austin antique shop, Johnnie’s Antiques, has survived for generations despite rapid city expansion. McPhaul, a true lover of all things antique and a retired educator with a 40-year tenure at the LaGrange Public School system, personally collected African American memorabilia, jewelry, glassware, pottery, amongst other rare and fine antiques. Established by McPhaul’s grandfather, Simon Sidle, in 1918, Johnnie’s Antiques is among the last vintage properties on East 6th Street, and notable as one of the first black-owned businesses in Austin. After assuming proprietorship in 1999, Dorothy followed in the family tradition as a fixture of the Texas antique sale circuit.