Chalcedony three colour snuff bottle; dark mottled brown with an opaque white area topped by a caramel inclusion, one side carved with a duck relaxing on a large lotus leaf, the other with a phoenix against a flowering prunus, with ruyi.

Reverse: Chalcedony three colour snuff bottle; dark mottled brown with an opaque white area topped by a caramel inclusion, one side carved with a duck relaxing on a large lotus leaf, the other with a phoenix against a flowering prunus, with ruyi.

THE CHINESE COLLECTION

 

Phoenix & Duck Snuff Bottle

 

A chalcedony well hollowed cameo carved three colour picture snuff bottle with a jade and ivory stopper.

B56

Chalcedony; dark mottled brown with an opaque white area topped by a caramel inclusion, one side carved with a duck relaxing on a large lotus leaf, the veins of the brown material utilised in the formation of reeds, the other with a phoenix against a flowering prunus, with ruyi nearby; the bottle rounded and well hollowed.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: green jadeite and ivory
Provenance: Mary Wise, U.S.A.
Hugh Moss Chinese Snuff Bottle Exhibition 1974. Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1974
Height: 5.6cm

This is a fascinating mineral sample for the workshops to have been presented with; it gives the artist a double opportunity to excel! The artist has done the material justice, offering two strong scenes that are carved purposefully and imaginatively, making full use of the dynamic material. A special mention must be made of the ingenious use of the natural flaws in the agate providing a strategic part of the design. There is a lot of symbolism and meaning in this bottle. A duck in reeds means 'may you do well in your exams' and a lotus represents purity. A phoenix represents the Empress and prunus the wish for a long life.

 

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