IMPERIAL, 1700-1800

This appears to be a unique imperial bottle. It does not include the usual fossiliferous material that appears in more standard mid-Qing limestone bottles. It is decorated on either side with a stylized mallow, a symbol of loyalty to the emperor since the head of the mallow follows the path of the sun all day, and the sun is associated with the emperor. This motif was ideal for bottles presented by the emperor to his officials, reminding them of their duty of loyalty.