Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Agate Tortoise Snuff Bottle

In Bottles > Snuff Bottles > Show & Tell.
Asian Antiques4252 of 10167Buddist Lion with Baby Porcelain Snuff BottleChrysanthemum Coin Snuff Bottle
8
Love it
0
Like it

kyratangokyratango loves this.
MasterMaster loves this.
PickabooPickaboo loves this.
SEAN68SEAN68 loves this.
bananapeelbananapeel loves this.
racer4fourracer4four loves this.
vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
auraaura loves this.
See 6 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 8 years ago

    cshapiro
    (177 items)

    A masterful carving on this agate bottle! I had to look at it for a while to realize that they carved the larger turtle in such a way as to imply the tail and back two legs are under water - they used the natural coloring of the stone to imply that and then carved the shell, the front two legs and the head in relief.

    In Chinese culture, the tortoise's slow movement symbolizes steadfastness and immutability. The shell conceals the secrets of the universe and is an implement of fortune tellers, for the tortoise is reputedly able to foretell one's future.

    It is very well hollowed. If not for the weight of the carving it could almost be a floater bottle.

    It measures 4.5cm tall.

    logo
    Snuff Bottles
    See all
    Chinese Antique Porcelain Snuff Bottle 19th Century Qing Blue White Dragon
    Chinese Antique Porcelain Snuff Bot...
    $67
    Antique Chinese carved cinnabar lacquer snuff bottle, 19th century, Qing Dynasty
    Antique Chinese carved cinnabar lac...
    $64
    Nine Painted Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottles Erotica Motif
    Nine Painted Chinese Porcelain Snuf...
    $35
    Antique/ Vintage Chinese Tall Porcelain Snuff Bottle
    Antique/ Vintage Chinese Tall Porce...
    $56
    logo
    Chinese Antique Porcelain Snuff Bottle 19th Century Qing Blue White Dragon
    Chinese Antique Porcelain Snuff Bot...
    $67
    See all

    Comments

    1. racer4four racer4four, 8 years ago
      So skilful. Wonderful bottle and I love turtles!
    2. cshapiro cshapiro, 8 years ago
      Me too!!!
    3. kyratango kyratango, 8 years ago
      Wow! The under water effect is so clever!
      A true beauty :-)
    4. cshapiro cshapiro, 8 years ago
      Yes kyratango - the artistry and skill that went into these bottles never ceases to amaze me

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.