POSSIBLY IMPERIAL, ATTRIBUTED TO THE PALACE WORKSHOPS, BEIJING, 1730-1820

Details

**A RARE CARVED YELLOW GLASS 'LOTUS' SNUFF BOTTLE
POSSIBLY IMPERIAL, ATTRIBUTED TO THE PALACE WORKSHOPS, BEIJING, 1730-1820
Of tapering ovoid form below a waisted neck, well carved with overlapping lotus petals nestling in a lotus leaf, the stem curling around to form the base, coral stopper
1 15/16 in. (4.9 cm.) high

Special notice

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.

Lot Essay

As the lotus emerges pristinely white atop a straight stem from the murky waters, it was adopted as a symbol of purity and integrity and came to be associated with the upright gentleman. The lotus was also appropriated as a Buddhist symbol, and its formalized overlapping petals can be seen adorning the bases of Buddhist sculptures from the sixth century onwards.

A very similar bottle, but in pink glass, is in the Denis S. K. Low Collection and illustrated by R. Kleiner, Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect, Singapore, 1999, no. 93. Other related pink glass 'lotus' bottles include the example illustrated by H. Moss, V. Graham and K. B. Tsang, The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle: The J & J Collection vol. II, New York, 1993, vol. II, p. 597, no. 358, and the bottle from the Blanche B. Exstein Collection, sold at Christie's, New York, 21 March 2002, lot 44.

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