Snuff Bottle with Scholars and Assistants Opening a Scroll
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 1800–1900
This Chinese vessel is a carved soapstone snuff bottle dating to the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), specifically between 1800 and 1900. The bottle measures 7.6 × 6.1 × 2.4 cm (3 × 2 3/8 × 15/16 in.) and features a rounded, flattened body set upon a small oval foot, rising to a short neck fitted with a carved stopper.
The object is executed in multicolored soapstone, utilizing natural variations in brownish-red and cream tones to highlight the carved relief. The relief decoration depicts a narrative scene showing scholars and assistants engaged in opening a scroll amidst an outdoor setting with rocks and foliage. The matching stopper is carved with petal or fluted patterns and topped with a small finial.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Soapstone with carved decoration
- Dimensions
- 7.6 × 6.1 × 2.4 cm (3 × 2 3/8 × 15/16 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- China
- Place recorded
- China
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Snuff Bottle with Scholars and Assistants Opening a Scroll
- Museum object number
- 1925.1250
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.