Antique Chinese Bone and Wood Oil Bottle with spoon

Rarity and Value
This finely preserved 19th-century Chinese oil bottle stands as a rare example of intimate art expressed through everyday craftsmanship. Made from carved bone and warm-toned wood, its panels feature delicate scrimshaw engravings depicting erotic scenes inspired by the private traditions of spring palace art. Such pieces were once discreetly commissioned for the elite, symbolizing both refinement and sensual curiosity. The harmony of material and motif transforms this utilitarian object into a collectible work of art — a rare survivor from a vanished world of aesthetic pleasure.

Discovery and Acquisition
Originating from China and dating to approximately 1850–1890, this bottle was likely used to contain perfumed or medicinal oils. Its preservation is remarkable — the engraving lines remain clear and sharp, the wood retains its deep patina, and the removable lid fits precisely, attesting to careful maintenance through generations. Found among private collections of Asian decorative arts, it embodies both cultural history and human intimacy.

Craftsmanship and Presentation
Executed with meticulous precision, the engraved imagery reveals the artisan’s control and subtlety. Each line was etched by hand onto polished bone panels, then shaded with ink to enhance contrast and depth. The wooden top and base were custom fitted, ensuring both functional integrity and aesthetic balance. This harmony of natural textures — ivory-toned bone and aged wood — creates a timeless visual dialogue between simplicity and sensuality.

Human Touch
Beyond its artistic and ethnographic value, this oil bottle evokes a deeply human story — of love, secrecy, and the enduring fascination with beauty in its most natural form. It bridges the boundaries between art and intimacy, reminding us that even the smallest object can hold centuries of emotion, craftsmanship, and quiet desire.