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.