Agate 'Bird Catching Insect' Snuff Bottle
Late Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
A well hollowed agate snuff bottle of flattened ovoid form, the translucent stone of a watery honey-gray tone with a natural russet-brown inclusion. Carved in the qiao diao ‘trick carving’ technique to one side only, depicting a small bird que swooping down to catch an insect among rocks and wildflowers. The dark inclusion is well utilized to form the entire bird and part of the foreground, creating a spontaneous, naturalistic scene full of movement and life. The reverse is left uncarved to showcase the pure beauty of the stone. Surmounted by a high-domed pink tourmaline stopper.
Height: 2 1/8 in (5.4 cm) excluding stopper
Condition Report:
Excellent condition. The carving crisp with old warm patina. The tourmaline stopper of fine imperial color with natural inclusions. No chips or repairs.
Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For a detailed condition report or to request additional images, please email the gallery directly at auctions@finesf.com. Condition report requests received after 5pm the day before the sale are not guaranteed. Shipping is not included. Please bid accordingly, as all sales are final, no returns are accepted on basis of condition.