Honey-brown agate snuffbox decorated with a bird and a bat, China, 1750-1850 Ovoid in shape, the agate's brown inclusions are skilfully used to create a decoration depicting a bird perched on the branch of a gnarled pine taking root in a rock on the side of the flask. The tree extends right down to the foot, bordered by incised wavelets. On the opposite shoulder, a bat curls up on a branch caught in a twisted rock carved into a crevice of the agate. Between the two animals, a quarter-moon. Very well hollowed out, it rests on an oval foot. Glass stopper imitating green jadeite. Height: 5.8 cm