18TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY QIANLONG

細節

A RARE ROCK CRYSTAL 'CANTEEN' SNUFF BOTTLE
18th Century, possibly Qianlong
Unusually comprising two parts including a cylindrical bottle within an integral 'outer casing' and an inverted cup-shaped cover, each part carved with medium relief roundels enclosing archaistic characters, the cover carved with two chilong dragons, each part with small bat handles pierced and linked together by a fine silver chain, the crystal with a slight brown tinge, quartz stopper and beads
2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) high, fitted wood box

注意事項

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium

拍品專文

This bottle is carved in the form of a Japanese inro, a medicine container with multiple 'cases', usually made in lacquer, attached to a cover by cords hanging from the belt. Two enamelled metal inro with Yongzheng reign marks in the National Palace Museum prove that the form was known to the Chinese Court in the 18th Century.
A white jade version from the Denis Low Collection is illustrated by Robert Kleiner, Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect, Singapore, 1999, p. 41, no. 29. Another example without its cover is illustrated by Moss, Graham and Tsang in The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle, vol.I, Hong Kong, 1993, p.85, no.33