Lot Essay
Five bats (wufu) represent the Five Blessings: longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death. The addition of the gourd, also a symbol of longevity, further reinforces the auspicious theme.
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OFFICIAL SCHOOL, 1780-1850
Details
A FINE PICTORIAL SILHOUETTE AGATE BOTTLE
Official School, 1780-1850
Of rounded rectangular shape, the well-hollowed, honey-grey stone cleverly carved utilizing the dark brown markings to create an auspicious design of a ribboned double gourd and five bats, stopper
2 5/8in. (6.5cm.) high
Official School, 1780-1850
Of rounded rectangular shape, the well-hollowed, honey-grey stone cleverly carved utilizing the dark brown markings to create an auspicious design of a ribboned double gourd and five bats, stopper
2 5/8in. (6.5cm.) high
Provenance
V. Meglys Collection.
Joseph Baruch Silver Collection.
Christie's, Hong Kong, 1-2 October 1991, lot 1181.
Joseph Baruch Silver Collection.
Christie's, Hong Kong, 1-2 October 1991, lot 1181.
Literature
Journal, The International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society, vol. XVI, No. 4, Winter 1984, cover.
Exhibited
Israel Museum, 1987-1988, no. 37.
Jade: Ch'ing Dynasty Treasures from the National Museum of History, Taiwan: The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Santa Ana, California; Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston, Texas; Explorers Hall, National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C., 1997-1999, p. 238, pl. 182.
Jade: Ch'ing Dynasty Treasures from the National Museum of History, Taiwan: The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Santa Ana, California; Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston, Texas; Explorers Hall, National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C., 1997-1999, p. 238, pl. 182.