Lot Essay
Liu Hai is the immortal associated with commercial success. He is nearly always portrayed with his three-legged toad and cash, and conveys a wish for prosperity. The three-legged toad itself has origins in the magical realm, representing the unattainable. It was only in later Chinese art that it was associated with Liu Hai. The auspicious wish for prosperity is strengthened by the symbolic meanings of the ruyi sceptre held in the hand of the other immortal, and the bat. The word ruyi means 'as you wish', while the word for bat in Chinese 'fu' is homophonous with that for 'fortune'. The bottle thus, carries numerous wishes for riches and good fortune.
There are many masterpieces of the Suzhou school, but none in the chalcedony range more impressive than this bottle. The use of the striped, beautifully textured material is exquisite and very rare. The different tones of color have been used on varying planes, enhancing the sculptural quality of the carved decoration.
There are many masterpieces of the Suzhou school, but none in the chalcedony range more impressive than this bottle. The use of the striped, beautifully textured material is exquisite and very rare. The different tones of color have been used on varying planes, enhancing the sculptural quality of the carved decoration.