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Chinese Snuff Bottle Discussion Forum 中國鼻煙壺討論論壇
March 29, 2024, 10:40:51 am
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Unusual Conglomerate Carved Bottle

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Author Topic: Unusual Conglomerate Carved Bottle  (Read 496 times)
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George
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« on: November 14, 2016, 06:58:10 pm »

As soon as I saw this one, I hit the buy it now not even caring if old or new.. Most likely pretty new and probably paid way to much for it, but I instantly fell in love with it !

I am perplexed looking at the mouth. It is notably yellow on top and as far as I can see into the neck, lacking the same conglomerate, puddingstone like appearance as the base..  Just as confusing is the dark surface color surrounding the entire bottle. Reminds me of a russet skin. Honestly, I am looking at it and it makes no sense to me.. Perhaps there is some kind of meaning to this unusual background pattern ? 

The carver creatively used the lighter colored areas to for the pine tree, and egret on one side and I think tried as well to use the same for the rocky landscape on the lower reverse side with rising sun, an eagle perched on rocks, and what I can only guess may be some kind of sloth, but the two tails throw me off..

2 3/8" tall...

Enjoy !


* puddingstone4.jpg (145.12 KB, 452x564 - viewed 38 times.)

* puddingstone2.jpg (180.7 KB, 499x620 - viewed 37 times.)

* puddingstone3.jpg (131 KB, 456x585 - viewed 30 times.)

* puddingstone5.jpg (137.47 KB, 474x608 - viewed 23 times.)

* puddingstone6.jpg (139.94 KB, 628x545 - viewed 25 times.)

* puddingstone7.jpg (147.29 KB, 568x565 - viewed 30 times.)

* puddingstone10.jpg (179.35 KB, 518x628 - viewed 36 times.)
« Last Edit: November 14, 2016, 08:05:56 pm by George » Report Spam   Logged

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Wattana
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« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2016, 09:38:42 pm »

George,

Could it be a variety of bowenite? That is the first word that came to my mind on seeing your bottle.

I'm finding it difficult to put a date on it, as I have not seen another like it.

Tom
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« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2016, 10:38:05 pm »

George,

Could it be a variety of bowenite?

Tom

Is it just me Tom, or does this look like it is even carved ?  Can't say anything here looks like tool marks.

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« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2016, 11:15:44 pm »

You mean it could be molded...like resin? But you'd still see some tool marks. And many other bottles like it.

It was the waxy, leathery look which reminded me of bowenite. But it could be a type of soapstone or serpentine, which is soft enough to polish out any tool marks.
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« Reply #4 on: November 14, 2016, 11:38:06 pm »

You mean it could be molded...like resin? But you'd still see some tool marks. And many other bottles like it.


Yes, like resin.. I think I do see areas that appear to be tooled, although your right and I can not explain
the lack of similar bottles..



« Last Edit: November 14, 2016, 11:51:17 pm by George » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2016, 04:11:55 am »



It was the waxy, leathery look which reminded me of bowenite. But it could be a type of soapstone or serpentine, which is soft enough to polish out any tool marks.

If this is actually carved and I just don't know what I am looking at, then I think your bowenite, soapstone, and serptentine guesses are good ones..  All three could be dyed to explain the dark skin around the entire bottle..  Although I am not able to find conglomerate examples of serpentine like I am finding for soapstone and bowenite.

It may not be the best soapstone carving comparison, but the close up pics for this soapstone bottle makes me think I am wrong about this one not being carved.. I can see many similarities within the carving marks..
http://bid.igavelauctions.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=3839143

« Last Edit: November 15, 2016, 04:36:55 am by George » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2016, 05:15:16 am »

I think if all the carving was removed from my bottle it would look almost identical to this one..
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5917057_old-chinese-dark-green-soapstone-snuff-bottle

Serpentine it is...

Thank you Tom !
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« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2016, 05:21:04 am »

I think you've nailed it George !
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« Reply #8 on: November 15, 2016, 05:40:07 am »

I think you've nailed it George !

With your help and thank you again... !
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