Lapis Lazuli - China - 20th century

Beautiful Chinese snuff bottles carefully carved from lapis lazuli. The bottle features intricate high-relief engravings, including bats. The deep blue of the lapis is accentuated by natural pyrite inclusions, giving it a speckled, almost golden sheen in places. The stopper, also carved from lapis lazuli, matches the carving style of the main body, suggesting that it is original to the bottle. The overall shape is a classic flattened oval or rectangular form, typical for snuff bottles, with a slightly flared lip.
The surface displays the characteristic rich, deep blue of lapis lazuli, interspersed with patches of gray matrix and metallic pyrite specks, which are natural inclusions in the stone. These inclusions are especially visible in the recessed parts of the wood carving, adding depth and a subtle sheen. The wood carving itself is high-relief, creating a tactile and intricate pattern that feels smooth yet detailed.

Height 10 cm
Width 4.5 cm
Depth 2.7 cm
Weight 177 grams