Antique Chinese Wood Double-Gourd Snuff Bottle with Scrimshaw Panels 882181

A traditional Chinese snuff bottle in the auspicious double-gourd form — symbol of longevity and good fortune in Chinese decorative arts — hand-turned from rich figured hardwood with two circular bone or ivory panels inset on the front and back. Each panel carries a delicate scrimshaw-style ink miniature: one of a calligrapher’s brush, the other of a pastoral scene with mountains, water, and a small figure on a riverbank. Topped with a turned wooden stopper. Snuff bottles of this style date to the late Qing Dynasty / early 20th century and were carried as personal accessories by gentlemen scholars. 60 grams. A wonderful curio for the collector of Asian decorative arts — multiple available, each slightly different.

Specifications

• Material: Hand-turned hardwood with bone/ivory inlaid panels
• Weight: 60g
• Form: Double-gourd (calabash) silhouette
• Decoration: Scrimshaw-style ink miniatures on inset panels
• Origin: China (late Qing / early 20th century style)
• Era: New / Antique-style
• Item: 882181

FAQs

1. Are they functional snuff bottles? Yes — the wooden stopper lifts to reveal a small reservoir.
2. Are all bottles identical? Each is hand-finished; the scrimshaw scenes vary slightly between pieces.
3. What’s the inlay material? Bone or ivory (varies by piece).
4. Care? Soft dry cloth only. Wood and bone do not tolerate moisture.