AN AGATE ‘PEACH AND BATS’ SNUFF BOTTLE, 1700-1800

拍品描述

AN AGATE ‘PEACH AND BATS’ SNUFF BOTTLE, 1700-1800 Expert’s note: Despite the suitability of the form and the longevity-symbolism of the fruit, peach-form snuff bottles are not as common as one might expect. China. Well carved in the form of a peach borne on an open worked gnarled branch issuing a smaller peach in high relief, the body further carved in relief with a pair of bats on clouds, further scrolling clouds in low relief, cleverly integrating a hairline that encircles part of the succulent fruit. Stopper: Coral carved in the form of a coral stem Dimensions: Height including stopper 73 mm. Diameter mouth 6 mm. The subject of peaches and bats is very popular in art of the Qing period because it is imbued with auspicious connotations. As peaches denote longevity and bats signify happiness, imagery combining peaches and bats represent the blessing ‘may you possess both longevity and happiness’. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related agate snuff bottle with auspicious symbols of happiness and longevity decoration, 7.1 cm high, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 贈雜000049N000000000. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 22 March 2007, lot 11 Price: USD 16,800 or approx. EUR 24,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject, material, and decorations. Note the smaller size (5.1 cm).

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