A CAMEO AGATE ‘HORSE AND MONKEY’ SNUFF BOTTLE, OFFICIAL SCHOOL, 1780-1850

拍品描述

A CAMEO AGATE ‘HORSE AND MONKEY’ SNUFF BOTTLE, OFFICIAL SCHOOL, 1780-1850 China. Well hollowed, the bottle of flattened, rounded square shape, supported on a short oval foot ring and rising to a cylindrical neck with a flat rim, carved through the caramel-colored outer layer to the semi-translucent beige body on one slightly concave side to depict a monkey pulling the reins of a horse, leading it towards the gushing waters below; a large incised wasp to the right shoulder. Stopper: Coral on a black vinyl collar Dimensions: Height including stopper 63 mm. Diameter neck 19 mm and mouth 6 mm. Expert’s note: The charming scene of a monkey leading a horse to water may be read as a playful visual moral: guidance can be offered, but acceptance cannot be compelled. In this sense, the imagery recalls the familiar proverb, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.” In Chinese art, the horse symbolizes speed, strength, perseverance, and success. It is often associated with nobility and power, serving as a loyal companion of scholars and warriors alike. As a bearer of good fortune, the horse also represents advancement and ambition, particularly in the phrase ‘ma dao Chenggong (immediate success upon the arrival of the horse)’. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 19 September 2013, lot 1234 Price: USD 12,500 or approx. EUR 15,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and similar rendition. Note the size (6 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 25 May 2014, lot 1104 Price: HKD 350,000 or approx. EUR 50,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and similar rendition. Note the size ( cm).

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