Fine Antique Chinese Lidded Agate Vase or Vessel, Qing Dynasty, c. 1900.
Antique natural Carnelian lidded vase or vessel adorned with ornate flowers, leaves and birds carved in relief, Qing Dynasty, c 1900. The agate varies in color from a light butterscotch to a deep carnelian orange. The tall ornate matching lid fits well. See our photographs for the dimensions.
The carving is done quite well. Notice how the craftsman used the natural colors of the carnelian agate using the deep orange shades in the agate to set off the flowers and birds against the lighter butterscotch background. The execution of this object must have been quite difficult to carve from a single piece of translucent agate. There are vein like natural inclusions present in some areas of the vase. These are natural to the stone and not to be confused with a crack or craze.
Under very close examination with magnification, we found two very small nicks.
For a similar item, see Sotheby's Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, lot 424. Sold for $5,000.