Vintage Petrified Wood Hardstone Snuff BottleThe period of 1970's and afterwards was very creative time in Chinese art. On account of the economic and political situation resulted from the Cultural Revolution, the was a great impetus to gain foreign currency through exports. Artists and craftsmen were encouraged to product works of art. This is a beautiful bottle made of fossilized wood. The Skillful snuff bottle carver fashioned a matching cover for this interesting petrified wood fossil

and the other has curvilinear bands

3/4 inch deep and 2 3/4 inch high

a butterfly buzzing around peonies and a praying mantis among the morning glories

the Monkey King interrupted the Queen Mother of the West's birthday party by stealing her peaches (symbol of longevity

accurate dating is essential in determining accurate prices

not unlike the Catholic Madonna and other patron saints

This "FUKU" mark

The art of enameling was not unknown in Japan

afterwards brightly painted enamels designs are painted on the surfaces

with a solitary open lotus blossom standing alone amidst lotus leaves and another flower and unopened buds are carefully done in raised carving (which is more work intensive than engravings

and age is an added bonus

Experienced snuff bottles artisans created beautiful snuff bottles at this time