Agate snuff bottle 'Fish', Qing dynasty, Qianlong

Snuff bottle carved from a single piece of agate and, on the other side, two lids. The body is in the shape of a fish, and the different shades of agate have been chosen to represent fins and eyes in gold. In the fish's mouth and tail are the holes where the lids fit. The transparency and quality of the cut are exceptional, and it is in very good condition. 

Heilongjiang agate is found in the northwest of the province. This carbon dioxide mineral is of gem grade and is a variant of chalcedony. Agate from this region has beautiful and warm colours, rich colours and a hard texture, very useful for carved crafts. This product was used as a tribute in the Qing dynasty. 

Fish have a lot of significance because they are considered in Chinese culture as the origin of dragons. It is very common to see them represented as a symbol of perseverance in the face of goals and a symbol of improvement or promotion. Legend has it that the strongest fish swim upstream to jump over the dragon gate and ascend. The following saying "if you pass the challenge, you will be worth a hundred times more" illustrates this behaviour. 

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.

Height: 6.5 cm; Weight: 57 g