A FIVE-COLOR OVERLAY ‘TWELVE MONKEYS’ MILKY-WHITE GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE,18TH-19TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A FIVE-COLOR OVERLAY ‘TWELVE MONKEYS’ MILKY-WHITE GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE,18TH-19TH CENTURY China. Of compressed globular form rising from an oval foot to a gently waisted neck with flat lip, carved through the apple green, black, pinkish-red, sapphire-blue, and yellow-tan overlay to the milky-white ground to depict a group of four playful monkey’s to the wide sides, flanked by pairs of monkeys to the narrow side, one holding a branch bearing peaches. The foot framed by delicately incised rockwork. Stopper: Amethyst on a black platelet Dimensions: Height including stopper 71 mm. Diameter neck 17 mm and mouth 8 mm. The homophone for monkey, hou, one of the twelve zodiac animals, is 'nobleman' or 'high official' as well as 'descendants'. The monkey therefore represents the wish for the success of one's descendants. The panel depicts twelve monkeys, likely alluding to the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. Each figure is rendered with animated detail, emphasizing the individuality and playful character of the monkeys. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related six-color overlay ‘eighteen monkeys’ glass snuff bottle, dated 1780-1860, 5.8 cm tall, illustrated in Robert W. L. Kleiner, An Exhibition of Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Collection of Mary and George Bloch at the Galleries of Sydney L. Moss, Ltd., Hong Kong, 1987, p.82-83, no.114, also illustrated in the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society, Journal - the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society: VXXVII. No. 2.1995, Maryland, 1974, p.7, fig. 1. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonahms Hong Kong, 21 May 2009, lot 1031 Price: HKD 45,600 or approx. EUR 9,300 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar colors, carving, arrangement of the figures, style, and size.

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