The artwork is a glass snuff bottle painted with a depiction of the rat from the Chinese Zodiac.

Snuff bottles are traditional cultural art pieces with a long history and rich cultural significance.

They were commonly used to hold tobacco for people to use when smoking.

The designs on the snuff bottles represent different meanings and symbols.

On this snuff bottle, the rat is portrayed as an intelligent, witty, and agile figure.

This may be because in Chinese culture, rats are considered symbols of wisdom and dexterity.

Additionally, rats are often associated with wealth and good fortune, so on some occasions, people use rats as mascots.

Aside from the image of the rat, this snuff bottle also employs exquisite painting techniques and intricate detailing.

These elements make the entire snuff bottle look very delicate and ornate, giving it an air of elegance and sophistication.

Overall, this snuff bottle is not only a practical item but also a work of art with profound cultural roots.

It represents the pursuit of wisdom, wit, and good fortune in traditional Chinese culture while also showcasing the artist's superb skills and creativity.