A CHALCEDONY SHADOW AGATE BOTTLE

Details
A CHALCEDONY SHADOW AGATE BOTTLE
1800-1850

Of rounded rectangular shape, carved as two boys, possibly the Hehe erxian, either side of a jardiniere issuing a prunus spray, a bird in its branches, from a dark brown inclusion attractively silhouetted against the semi-transparent pale stone, stopper

Lot Essay

The Hehe erxian (heavenly twins) are usually portrayed holding a lotus and an open box issuing clouds. They are a symbol of harmony between married couples

For another chalcedony example see Robert W. L. Kleiner, Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Collection of Mary and George Bloch, p. 115, fig. 162