Lapis Lazuli - China - 20th century

Beautiful Chinese snuff bottles carefully carved from lapis lazuli. The bottle features intricate high-relief engravings also with 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, common for snuff bottles, with a slightly flaring lip.
The surface shows the characteristic rich, deep blue of lapis lazuli, interspersed with patches of gray matrix and metallic pyrite flecks, 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 tangible and intricate pattern that feels smooth yet detailed.

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