O25 An amber “Noble professions” snuff bottle

Description

Description:   Chinese snuff bottle of rounded form, carved out from amber of particular dark color. The decoration is representing on one side a scholar riding a horse or mule, followed by his attendants who carry the Qin. On the other side, there is a woodcutter (or a farmer) and a fisherman on his boat. These are three of the “Four noble’s professions” of ancient China: the Farmer, the Fisherman, the Woodcutter, and the Scholar.

Foot/base: Small oval concave base

Mark:  

Dating:  18^th

Material:  Natural amber

Size:  55 mm high

Stopper:  Black and white onyx stopper with metal collar and ivory spoon.

Provenance:  See provenance of glass bottle G35.

References:   

Notes:  The carving on this small bottle is of very good quality but most smoothed by wear from intense use.