B70

Glass, covered overall with a translucent-green layer and carved with a cricket on a grape-laden, luscious leaved vine, the bottle of rounded oval form.

Chinese, 1780-1850
Stopper: Coral and pearl finial
Provenance: Harry Ross, sold at Christies, London, 1978
Height: 7.8cm

Crickets (xishou) are considered omens of good fortune in China, and in the past were commonly kept around the home in delicate gourds, ensuring good things to come.  They were regarded as creatures of great charm and loyalty and their presence signified familiarity and contentment.  Crickets were thus ideal companions for the educated scholar-officials who could either carry them around in small cages or gourds, or place them on their desks for inspiration. The cricket motif is commonly found on porcelain bottles of the Daoguang period (1821-1850) and it is most unusual to find an example in glass.  The charming green glass reflects the colour of the insect itself.