A RARE LAPIS LAZULI SNUFF BOTTLE, 1760-1850

拍品描述

A RARE LAPIS LAZULI SNUFF BOTTLE, 1760-1850 China. Well hollowed and of flattened ovoid form, rising from an oval foot to a waisted neck with flat lip, the surface of the stone neatly carved in shallow relief to depict a pair of hares below rockwork and a leafy branch to one side, and a scholar below a pine to the other side. The lapidary cleverly utilized the inclusions of the stone to accentuate the carving. The opaque stone is of a vibrant blue color with creamy white, pale gray, and gold inclusions. Stopper: lapis lazuli (matching) Dimensions: Height including stopper 71 mm. Diameter neck 21 mm and mouth 6 mm. Lapis lazuli was highly prized during the Qianlong era and subsequent periods. The stone was mostly imported from Afghanistan, and was used principally for carving vessels, figures in relatively small sizes and boulders or grotto carvings. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 21 March 2013, lot 1032 Price: USD 7,500 or approx. EUR 9,400 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar color of the stone and relief work. Note the size (6.2 cm).

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