B41

Chalcedony, pale-beige with mottled darker brown inclusions cleverly utilised to create an image of a dancing figure with sticks in his hands (possibly torches), his grimacing face clearly visible and represented by the natural markings; the bottle of rounded form with a raised oval foot rim.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: pale quartz
Provenance: Estelle Chapman, 1973
Height: 5.4cm

This figure, whether carrying sticks or torches appears to be acting as part of a show or ritual, and is full of animation and realism. A minimum of fuss has been made of the subject matter as the carver has resisted the temptation to over decorate the scene.