A LARGE CINNABAR LACQUER ‘EIGHT IMMORTALS’ SNUFF BOTTLE, 1860-1880

拍品描述

A LARGE CINNABAR LACQUER ‘EIGHT IMMORTALS’ SNUFF BOTTLE, 1860-1880 China. Of flattened ovoid form, deeply carved through the layers of cinnabar lacquer, one side featuring a boat carrying the four immortals, He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, Zhongli Quan, Cao Guojiu, across turbulent waters framed by rockwork and pavilions. The reverse depicting Han Xiangzi, Li Tieguai, Lü Dongbin, Zhang Guolao, on a floating cloud with further pavilions in the back. Framed below by a band of fine lappets and above by a key-fret border below a band of blossoms enclosing the neck. The recessed foot highlighted in black, and the ensuite domed stopper with further blossoms. Stopper: Cinnabar lacquer, matching! Dimensions: Height including stopper 95 mm. Diameter neck 25 mm and mouth 8 mm. The composition depicts the Eight Daoist Immortals crossing the sea, a popular auspicious subject symbolizing longevity and divine blessings. According to legend, each immortal employs his or her supernatural powers to traverse the waters to the realm of the immortals, giving rise to the celebrated expression ‘each revealing his own divine ability’. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Bonhams Edinburgh, 18 November 2015, lot 196 Price: GBP 5,250 or approx. EUR 8,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar manner of carving, deep relief work, and figural subject. Note the size (8 cm).

图片