A CARVED PURPLE GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE

1720-1820

Details

A CARVED PURPLE GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE
1720-1820
The semi-transparent deep purple glass bottle is carved on one side with a cat and butterfly and on the reverse with a bear gasing up at an eagle in flight. The narrow sides are carved with mask and ring handles.
2 in. (5.1 cm.) high, amethyst stopper

Provenance

Collection of Alice B. McReynolds (Part I); Sotheby's Los Angeles, 31 October 1984, lot 27.

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Lot Essay

The depictions on either side carry hidden meanings and were popular subjects on snuff bottles. The cat and butterfly represent a wish for longevity. The word for 'cat' (mao) has the same sound as the word for 'septuagenarian,' and the word 'butterfly' (die) is homophonous with 'septuagenarian' or 'octogenarian.' The combination of eagle (ying) and bear (xiong) provides a rebus for yingxiong, meaning 'champion' or 'hero.'

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