JAPAN, 1870-1930

Details

A CARVED SOAPSTONE SNUFF BOTTLE
JAPAN, 1870-1930
The bottle is carved in high relief with ladies carrying a citron and a vase with lingzhi and a melon, surrounded by boys holding lanterns and books, all set against a repetitive geometric ground. The stone is of opaque tan color with a high polish in the most raised areas.
3 in. (7.6 cm.) high, original soapstone stopper

Provenance

Robert Kleiner, London, 2008.
Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, no. 4728.

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Brought to you by

Margaret Gristina (葛曼琪) Senior Specialist, VP

asianartny@christies.com +1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay

A similar soapstone bottle is discussed and illustrated by M. Hughes in Small Treasures: The Art Institute of Chicago, Chinese Snuff Bottles, Hong Kong, 2015, pp. 36-37, no. 23. The author points to the material having been sourced locally in Japan or possibly in China from Fujian, where soapstone was a popular material.

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