Chinese carved agate 'Catfish' snuff bottle, 18th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
18th century
This Chinese snuff bottle, dating to the 18th century, is crafted from carved agate. The body features a continuous relief carving depicting a scene with two bubbling catfish and one carp.
The bottle is fitted with a carved coral stopper, which complements the warm, translucent tones of the agate. Measuring 6.5 cm in height, the vessel showcases the high level of lapidary skill associated with the period. The decoration utilizes the natural color variations of the stone to emphasize the fluid forms of the fish within the composition.The piece displays a smooth, rounded profile typical of high-quality Chinese snuff bottles from this era, combining aesthetic elegance with functional design.
Its presence in significant private collections underscores its historical and artistic importance in the study of Chinese decorative arts.
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
- Height
- 6.5 cm
- Material
- Agate, coral
Design
- Motifs
- Two bubbling catfish, one carp
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.