Amber, like nephrite and some other materials, was frequently found in irregular pebble-shaped pieces. There may have been an initial period when, because a snuff bottle was a container, a certain formality of shape was imposed, but it cannot have been long before the potential for natural shapes occurred to the makers, allowing them to produce works of greater novelty and variety.

The natural form has been used here to great effect. The wonderfully confident design with its energetic composition lends a great sense of movement to the subject, as if the luohan are being swept by the wind on clouds above the turbulent waves below - an effect greatly enhanced by the irregularity of the form. Representing all cosmic forces, wind and water are ideally suited to the subject of the eighteen disciples of Buddha. The delightful subject, so well carved and adapted to the form, the immense energy created by its composition and the sumptuously pure and richly coloured material all combine to make this one of the masterpieces of Chinese amber snuff bottles.