#8257 • Chinese Carved Bone Snuff Bottle, Relief Figural and Ink Landscape Decoration with Calligraphic Inscription, Matching Stopper and Spoon, Late Qing to Early 20th Century

Part of The Royal McLean Mansion Downsized: Property of a Princess · Furniture & Decor · Lalique · Rugs · Fine Art (live auction by Prime Auction Solutions)

Status: Sold

A finely worked Chinese snuff bottle of flattened rectangular form, carved from bone and presenting a cream-white surface with the smooth, well-polished finish characteristic of quality Chinese carved organic material production. The bottle is complete with its matching bone stopper and an original amber-toned bone spoon — making this a fully intact and displayable example of the form. The primary face carries a high-relief figural composition depicting two robed figures in a contemplative exchange — a scholar or gentleman and a companion — rendered with confident carving that captures the flowing lines of the garments and the relaxed postures of social engagement characteristic of the literati subject matter favored in the Qing decorative tradition. A brief Chinese calligraphic inscription appears at the upper left of this face, serving as either the title of the depicted scene or a poetic couplet in the classical manner. The reverse face is treated in an entirely different and complementary register: a fine ink-style landscape in the shanshui tradition, with mountains, foliage, and atmospheric perspective rendered through incised line work highlighted in black pigment, accompanied by additional calligraphy in the upper register. The contrast between the boldly carved figural relief on one face and the delicate pictorial ink work on the other demonstrates the range of skill applied to the finest Chinese snuff bottle production of the period. The neck is short and cylindrical, the shoulders gently curved, and the base flat and stable. The matching stopper seats firmly and the original spoon is present and intact. The overall condition is very good with the warm cream patina of age throughout. Carved bone. Relief figural decoration with calligraphic inscription. Ink landscape on reverse. Matching bone stopper and original bone and amber-toned spoon. Size:3"H