**A WELL-CARVED AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE

OFFICIAL SCHOOL, 1760-1860

Details

**A WELL-CARVED AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE
OFFICIAL SCHOOL, 1760-1860
Of compressed spherical form with concave mouth and flat natural foot, one side ingeniously carved from the olive-brown markings in the stone with the immortal Liu Hai kneeling on an outcrop of rock as he dangles a string of cash to tempt his three-legged toad, set amidst swirling waves around the base, the scene continuing onto the other main side with two frogs seated on lily pads divided by the vertical white and brown striations falling like a waterfall from the neck, carnelian stopper with silver collar
2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm.) high

Provenance

Hugh Moss Ltd.

Lot Essay

It takes the skill of an exceptional artist to transform as rich a material as this, using the different planes of color in contrasting layers to create a coherent and successful work of art. Another successful transformation of similar material is seen in an example formerly in the J & J Collection, sold in these rooms, 30 March 2005, lot 69 and illustrated by Hugh Moss, Chinese Snuff Bottles of the Silica or Quartz Group, front cover and p. 67, no. 75.

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 toad (chan) together with the lotus (lian) forms the homonym chanlian, a term signifying success. The bottle thus carries numerous wishes for riches and good fortune.

More from The Meriem Collection Important Chinese Snuff Bottles

View All