Chinese Hand-Carved Natural Amber Snuff Bottle | High Relief Phoenix & Shou Symbol

Chinese Hand-Carved Natural Amber Snuff Bottle | High Relief Phoenix & Shou Symbol 

Warm, glowing, and beautifully translucent, this hand-carved amber snuff bottle celebrates one of nature's most treasured organic gemstones. Displaying rich golden honey tones with remarkable internal character, the fossilized resin catches and diffuses light beautifully, creating the soft glow that has made amber prized for thousands of years. Natural flow lines, scattered reflective inclusions, and subtle localized clouding—formed as ancient tree resin flowed and fossilized millions of years ago—give this carved bottle its own distinctive personality and testify to its organic origin. 

The bottle is richly carved in exceptionally high relief with imagery that rewards close examination. The dominant motif is believed to represent a phoenix (fenghuang) with finely detailed feathers flowing across one side of the bottle. Surrounding the bird are swirling cloud forms, stylized foliage, and scrolling decorative motifs that wrap continuously around the vessel.

Hidden among the scrolling design are several mask-like or guardian faces, carved so they subtly emerge from the flowing ornament rather than standing apart from it. This type of layered carving invites repeated viewing, revealing new details from different angles.

The carved stopper continues the design with complementary scrolling motifs and is crowned by a Shou (壽) longevity symbol, one of the most auspicious emblems in Chinese decorative art. The Shou character traditionally represents long life, good fortune, and blessings, making it an especially appropriate motif for an object intended to be treasured and passed from one generation to the next

Traditionally used to carry powdered tobacco, Chinese snuff bottles have become highly collectible works of miniature art appreciated for their craftsmanship, rarity, and historical significance. Whether displayed among fine Asian antiques, included in a collection of carved amber, or appreciated simply as a remarkable work of miniature sculpture, this elegant snuff bottle offers timeless beauty and enduring appeal.#90

Details 

Material: Natural amber 

Hand carved 

Traditional Chinese snuff bottle 

Warm golden coloration 

Excellent vintage condition 

Dimensions: 3.75" H × 2.25" W × 1.5" D 

Weight: 53 grams

Why You'll Love It 

✔ Genuine natural amber 

✔ Beautiful translucent glow 

✔ Traditional Chinese form 

✔ Rich symbolic carving with phoenix and Shou motifs

✔ Elegant display object    

Gemologist's Notes

This bottle was examined using non-destructive gemological testing, combined with ultraviolet fluorescence. Natural internal flow lines, localized clouding, and reflective "sun spangles" observed under magnification, are all characteristics consistent with natural fossilized amber.

Note: This item has been inspected and appraised by a GIA Graduate Gemologist NAJA Appraiser.

Diamond origin is tested using a GIA iD100 Gem Testing Device. Unless indicated otherwise, all diamonds are to be considered natural, earth-mined diamonds. All man-made, laboratory-grown, laboratory-created, or synthetic diamonds are well marked on the price tag as well as in the website description.

All diamond and gemstone grading is done under GIA standards as the mounting permits. All gemstone weights and measurements are approximate. Unless otherwise stated, colored gemstones may have commonly used clarity and color enhancing treatments per industry standards.

Prospective buyers should note that all jewelry we sell is 'used' and will likely have some amount of wear, we warranty that the item will be essentially as we have described it, but no other warranties are expressed or implied, and all items are sold 'as is'.