Chinese Shadow Agate ,Cat and Butterfly, Snuff Bottle
Late Qing Dynasty 19th Century to early 20th Century

Of flattened ovoid form, carved from a honey-colored agate pebble with natural dark brown inclusions. The stone cleverly utilized to depict a black cat's head emerging at the lower front and a butterfly with a black and dark brown body on the reverse. With a mottled green hardstone stopper.
Height: 2 ¾ in. (7 cm) including stopper

Condition: Good overall. Light surface scratches and expected wear. No chips or cracks.

Note: Agate snuff bottles using natural markings, known as qiao diao or clever carving, were highly prized in the Qing dynasty. This example is consistent with late Qing dynasty production. The combination of cat and butterfly forms the rebus "mao die”, a homophone for "mao die" meaning "longevity at 80-90 years".
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.