1780-1870

细节

**A FINELY-CARVED HORNBILL BOTTLE
1780-1870
One side carved with two sages, one holding a fly-whisk, playing weiqi on a low table in a rocky setting, the other side with three Daoist sages, one with a staff, examining a hanging scroll, the carving on both sides set within recessed panels, the narrow sides carved in with stylized chi dragons in low relief, stopper
2½ in. (6.15 cm.) high

来源

The American Museum of Natural History, New York
Gerry Mack, New York, 1978

出版

Chinese Snuff Bottles No. 3, p. 45, plate S
100 Selected Chinese Snuff Bottles from the J & J Collection, front cover and no. 95
JICSBS, Autumn 1989, front cover
Moss et. al., The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle, The J&J Collection, vol. 2, no. 282

展览

Christie's, London, October 1987

注意事项

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

拍品专文

Hornbill was a valued substance to the Chinese well before the snuff-bottle period. It is thought that there are two methods of treating hornbill, the solid casque with tough red sheath that sits atop the upper beak, protecting the brain of the bird. The secret of the first method appears to have been lost, but may have involved heating and perhaps permeating the material with some preservative. All known early pieces seem to have been treated this way, including snuff bottles. This treatment preserves the material, giving it a rich translucency and strength. The second method involved carving the material directly, which left the surface prone to cracking.

The superb color and excellent surface polish of the present bottle suggest that it was treated with the first method, making it a premier example of the group. The carved decoration is also extremely well rendered.

Among the Confucian ideals of the scholar-gentleman were the abilities to write calligraphy and to play weiqi, the subject-matter seen on the present bottle.