A LARGE CARVED PALE GREENISH-WHITE AND RUSSET JADEITE BOTTLE

1780-1860

Details

A LARGE CARVED PALE GREENISH-WHITE AND RUSSET JADEITE BOTTLE
1780-1860
Of rounded-rectangular shape, carved through the brilliant russet skin with a crouching mythical feline gazing at the sun and a single bat against the pale greenish-white mottled ground lightly incised with a stylized mountain and clouds, the reverse carved through the pale russet skin with a monkey holding a peach beneath a fruiting tree, stopper
2 5/8in. (6.6cm.) high

Provenance

David Borowitz Collection.
Christie's, New York, 23 February 1982, lot 271.

Lot Essay

This is one of a small and rare group of jadeite bottles with red skin on both sides, apparently all produced at the same workshop and at the same time from a limited range of material. The monkey and peaches represent a wish for longevity, while the mythical animal looking at the rising sun suggests a successful official career.

For another example by this carver, also using red jadeite, see R. Kleiner, Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect: Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Collection of Denis Low, Singapore, 1999, no. 63.

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