Agate snuff bottle 'Longevity', Qing dynasty, Qianlong

A snuff bottle carved from a single piece of agate and, on the other side, a lid. The body is in the shape of a peach with wildlife on the top. The different shades of agate are chosen to represent details with a golden and brownish tone. The lid is off-centred at the top. 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 figured as a tribute in the Qing dynasty. 

In general it has a meaning of longevity because of its shape, a peach, and the animals above it, which are bats. The branches of the peach spread out over the body of the peach, which is abundant and plump in appearance. Holding a peach in one's hand is a gift.

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

Size: 7 x 3.6 x 5.2 cm; Weight: 95 g