Lot 300

Agate 'Bird Catching Insect' Snuff Bottle

Previous image preload Next image preload

Agate 'Bird Catching Insect' Snuff Bottle

Estimate: $300 - $500

Starting Bid: $150

(0 Bids)

by Fine Estate Inc.
June 21, 2026 11:00 AM PDT
Live Auction
121 Jordan Street
San Rafael, CA, US 94901

Agate 'Bird Catching Insect' Snuff Bottle
Late Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
A well hollowed agate snuff bottle of flattened ovoid form, the translucent stone of a watery honey-gray tone with a natural russet-brown inclusion. Carved in the qiao diao ‘trick carving' technique to one side only, depicting a small bird que swooping down to catch an insect among rocks and wildflowers. The dark inclusion is well utilized to form the entire bird and part of the foreground, creating a spontaneous, naturalistic scene full of movement and life. The reverse is left uncarved to showcase the pure beauty of the stone. Surmounted by a high-domed pink tourmaline stopper.
Height: 2 1/8 in (5.4 cm) excluding stopper
Condition Report:
Excellent condition. The carving crisp with old warm patina. The tourmaline stopper of fine imperial color with natural inclusions. No chips or repairs.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction house does not provide in-house shipping. Please contact one of the shippers listed below, or a shipper of your choice, for a shipping quote prior to bidding:
RM Auction Shipping Services, [email protected] , (415) 860-3163 ph#
Packaging Store, [email protected]
Pak Mail, [email protected]

Fine Estate, Inc. may be able to ship small jewelry items. Please contact the gallery directly for a shipping quote. [email protected]

Fine Estate Inc.

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $249,999:
28.00%
$250,000 - $999,999:
20.00%
$1,000,000+:
15.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,250
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 + $50,000