Agate snuff bottle "Wealth", Qing dynasty, Qianlong

A snuff bottle carved from a single piece of agate. The body is in the form of a pod or bean-shaped '绿豆' with branches around it, and on the front face a relief that matches the tone of the agate. The relief shows rats and coins. It is remarkable the perfection of the carving and the transparency of the material. 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. 

The depiction refers to the idiom "財源滾滾" (cáiyuán gungun) which means to receive benefits or to earn money in abundance. In ancient Chinese mythology, rats attract wealth and in this case they are next to coins, which directly refers to making a lot of profit. In addition, green beans are a food consumed in China since ancient times, with highly valued medicinal and nutritional properties.

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

Size: 7.8 x 2.2 x 3.8 cm; Weight: 38 g