Suzhou School, China, First half of the 19th century
Dimensions: 7 cm
A 19th century two-tone agate snuff bottle from the Suzhou school. The maker took advantage of the two colours of the agate: the white image of the horse on the stake contrasts strongly with the cream body of the flask. The curved carved mouth is covered by a red coral stopper with a Chilong dragon coiled around it.
Horse in Chinese culture:
In Chinese culture, many animals have symbolic meanings: the dragon is a symbol of luck, the tortoise of long life and luck, or the monkey of knowledge and speed. The horse also falls into this symbolic category, as this hoofed animal symbolises strength, power and freedom, and is a recurring element in many Chinese works.
