AN AGATE SEAL-BASE BOTTLE

ZHENWAN SEAL CARVED ON THE BASE, 1780-1880

Details
AN AGATE SEAL-BASE BOTTLE
Zhenwan Seal Carved on the Base, 1780-1880
Of rounded rectangular shape, extremely well hollowed and cleverly cut to use the brown inclusion to form the oval foot which is cut in deep relief with the seal Zhenwan, the stone of attractive misty tone, stopper
2½in. (6.3cm.) high
Further details
See illustration and detail

Lot Essay

For another agate bottle inscribed with the same seal on the base see Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle, The J & J Collection, Hong Kong, 1993, vol. I, no. 131, pp. 218-9. The mark can be read as "For precious enjoyment" or "Precious plaything"

Another unusual example in jasper with the same seal inscribed on the base from the Collection of the Late Mr. and Mrs. Gerry P. Mack, carved in the form of a purse, is illustrated by Hugh Moss in Chinese Snuff Bottles, no. 3, London, 1966, pp. 29-32, pl. H. Another yellow jade bottle of small baluster shape, also with the same mark, forms part of the Gary Mack Collection

For another agate bottle carved on the base through a russet inclusion with the seal Guwan (antique treasure) see Robert Kleiner, Chinese Snuff Bottles, A Miniature Art from the Collection of Mary and George Bloch, Hong Kong, 1994, Catalogue, p. 274, no. 215