Snuff bottle - Bone - Bone - Snuff bottle

Finely crafted snuff bottle made of carved bone (bone), China.

The elegantly proportioned bottle bears on both sides masterfully executed relief scenes from a Buddhist context. One side features Guanyin, the Goddess of Compassion, floating on clouds, wrapped in flowing robes. Below is a reverent figure depicted, respectfully approaching the deity—a motif of great spiritual significance.

The opposite side shows a calmly seated Buddha on a lotus, surrounded by finely worked folds of drapery and a clearly defined nimbus. The depiction impresses with its harmonious composition and the balanced relief height.

Of particular note is the fine, even carving, evident in the subtly modeled faces, the softly flowing draperies, and the ornamentally engraved areas on the shoulder region. The surface bears a warm, lightly honey-toned patina, indicating age and use.

The neck is adorned with a subtly engraved patterned band.