This mid-20th century Chinese snuff bottle is crafted from animal bone, presenting a compact amphora-like form with gently sloping shoulders and a short cylindrical neck. The surface is finished in a warm, creamy ivory tone with subtle yellowish hues typical of aged bone, and has a soft, matte sheen. The central decoration is a finely rendered black ink illustration depicting an erotic scene in the style of traditional East Asian art—precise lines and delicate shading define the motif, which occupies the front of the bottle, leaving the rest of the surface smooth and uncluttered. The matching bone stopper fits snugly and is equipped with a small spatula for dispensing snuff. The construction is seamless, with no visible joints or hardware, and the proportions are balanced, giving the piece an elegant and compact appearance. The bottle is in very good condition, with no chips, cracks, or signs of restoration, retaining its original period features.This object carries a sense of ceremony and secrecy: in an era when snuff was not only a remedy but also a personal ritual, such bottles served as discreet vessels for subtle messages and vivid emotions. The erotic motif, uncommon and reserved for the initiated, whispered of desires beneath the surface of social conventions. The bone preserves the touch of time, and its smooth
DIMENSION
Height7 cm
Length4.5 cm
Dimension details
Length4.5 cm
Height7 cm
DELIVERY
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Today
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