Mid-Century Chinese Hand-Carved Coral Figural Snuff Bottle Depicting a Mythical Guardian Beast

Mid-Century Chinese Hand-Carved Coral Figural Snuff Bottle Depicting a Mythical Guardian Beast

Full of personality and vibrant color, this hand-carved figural snuff bottle is carved from natural coral (likely dyed sponge coral). The expressive guardian beast features finely carved facial details, scrolling horns, and charming carved toes on the underside - details often overlooked but indicative of thoughtful workmanship. The carving showcases the playful artistry for which Chinese decorative carvings are admired. The bottle retains its original carved stopper and a later replacement metal spoon. 

Expertly carved in the form of a standing figure, the bottle displays rich coral-red coloration enhanced by careful polishing that accentuates the natural texture of the material. The sculptural design transforms a traditional snuff bottle into a miniature work of art, equally appealing to collectors of Asian antiques and lovers of unique decorative objects. 

Originally inspired by functional snuff bottles carried throughout China during the Qing Dynasty and later periods, examples such as this are now appreciated as finely crafted collectibles reflecting centuries of artistic tradition. #90

Details 

Material: Dyed carved coral 

Figural design

Traditional Chinese snuff bottle 

Hand carved and polished

Excellent vintage condition 

Why You'll Love It 

✔ Eye-catching figural carving 

✔ Rich coral-red coloration 

✔ Traditional Chinese craftsmanship 

✔ Wonderful conversation piece 

✔ Unique addition to an Asian art collection  

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'.