Snuff Bottle with Two Five-Clawed Dragons above Waves
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 1790–1850
This Chinese glass snuff bottle dates to the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), between 1790 and 1850. The cylindrical vessel features a cylindrical neck rising from rounded shoulders to a flat rim, topped by a rounded stopper with a metal collar. It stands on an integrated oval foot ring.
The bottle is made using an overlay glass technique, featuring a vibrant cobalt-blue glass layer carved in relief against a semi-translucent, white-flecked ground described as misty snowstorm glass. The carved blue decoration depicts two dynamic five-clawed dragons winding around the body above swirling crests of waves, accompanied by curling cloud-like motifs. A repeating pendant border encircles the upper neck just beneath the mouth rim.
The piece measures 6 cm in height and 3.8 cm in diameter (2 3/8 × 1 1/2 inches). It originated in China and is preserved as part of the Mr. and Mrs. Theodore A. Shaw, Jr. Collection.
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
- Glass; blue overlay on misty snowstorm ground
- Dimensions
- 6 × 3.8 cm (2 3/8 × 1 1/2 in.); Diam.: 3.8 cm (1 1/2 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 Two Five-Clawed Dragons above Waves
- Museum object number
- 1961.1266
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.