Bannerman Snuff Bottle

B48

Chalcedony, pale grey with a russet brown skin exceptionally well carved to depict a mounted bannerman in full ceremonial regalia, galloping with his banner flowing behind him; his banner, hat, clothes and the trappings and the naturalistic forms of the horse all brilliantly carved and beneath the horse, a lingzhi; the bulbous bottle exceptionally well hollowed.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: pink tourmaline
Provenance: Ray Thompson
Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1975
Height: 6cm

This is one of the most exceptional snuff bottles depicting this 'official' subject. The Bannerman became a popular subject during the mid-Qing dynasty, and it is thought to represent the victories of the Qianlong Emperor in his military campaigns (the Bannerman is racing back to spread the good news). The artist has grasped this wonderful natural mineral sample with verve and courage intending from the outset to produce an energetic and animated masterpiece, so much so that one can hear and feel the thunderous galloping as one holds it in one hands.

Zodiac sign / Horse.