901 - Finely carved large snuff bottle made of hard agate (Manao)

Finely carved large snuff bottle made of hard agate (Manao) China, probably late Qing Dynasty to Republican era. Agate. Height approx. 8 cm. Weight approx. 134 g. Good condition. This finely carved bottle is the work of a master craftsman and was created using the Qiaodiao technique, in which the natural color gradations and structures of the agate are artfully incorporated into the design. The high-quality craftsmanship is stylistically inspired by exquisite works from the Qianlong period and attests to a high level of technical and artistic mastery. The relief carving on the front depicts a horseman with his horse in a charming landscape scene. The reverse side is adorned with a landscape scene and a bat, a symbol of good fortune and blessings popular in Chinese art. The skillful use of the agate’s natural color variations creates vivid contrasts and a remarkable sense of depth.