Snuff Bottle
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
This snuff bottle is a sculptural Chinese vessel produced during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). The object is fashioned from carved coral, exhibiting a warm salmon-pink and pale orange coloration with subtle natural variations across its polished surface. The bottle includes a matching coral stopper surmounted by an intricately pierced, openwork cluster of entwined branches and floral elements.
The body of the vessel is adorned with elaborate high-relief and undercut carvings featuring several figures. A prominent central figure clothed in flowing drapery with extended ribbons is accompanied by smaller secondary figures, including an attendant and a young child beside projecting boughs. These figural and botanical motifs wrap around the sides of the container, forming openwork handles and an integrated base.
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
- Carved coral
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
- Museum object number
- 1925.1380
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.