A CARVED AMETHYST BOTTLE

1750-1840

Details

A CARVED AMETHYST BOTTLE
1750-1840
Of rounded-rectangular form, carved on one side with two sprigs of millet and a quail, the reverse with the four-character inscription, Sui sui an le (Year after year of peace and happiness), stopper
2½in. (6.2cm.) high

Provenance

Hilda Somers Collection, acquired in 1945.

Lot Essay

This unusual inscribed amethyst bottle is, like lot 134, of unusually intense color. The quail is an emblem of courage due to its pugnacious nature and a symbol of poverty due to its ragged appearance. Quail are plentiful in China and were kept for fighting, like fighting cocks.

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