An Unusual Black And Grey Jade Bottle

1760-1830, MASTER OF THE ROCKS SCHOOL, POSSIBLY SUZHOU

Details

An Unusual Black And Grey Jade Bottle
1760-1830, Master of the Rocks School, possibly Suzhou
Of rectangular shape, carved in relief on both sides, cleverly using the darker skin on the front to depict a boy punting his pine tree craft on swirling water, a gourd hanging from the pine branches, lingzhi and peach to the ends of the vessel, the reverse with a five-character inscription followed by two seals, stopper
2in. (6.5cm.) high

Lot Essay

The inscription reads Bi Cai Shou Tian Cang which can be translated as 'Gathering Heavenly Longevity Collection', appropriately mirrored on the reverse side with a plethora of longevity symbols.

For another black and white jade bottle with raised archaic script forming an auspicious wish, see Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles, The Mary and George Bloch Collection, Hong Kong, 1995, vol. I, Jade, pp. 100-101, no. 38.

For another brown and white jade bottle of very similar shape attributed to the 'Master of the Rocks' School, carved in relief to one side with the God of Longevity, Shoulao, and with a draft script to the other, see Hugh Moss et al, ibid, pp. 340-341, no. 133.

More from Important Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Gerry P Mack

View All