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