POSSIBLY IMPERIAL, POSSIBLY PALACE WORKSHOPS, 1760-1850

Details

A RARE MUGHAL-STYLE WHITE JADE SNUFF BOTTLE
POSSIBLY IMPERIAL, POSSIBLY PALACE WORKSHOPS, 1760-1850
The very well-hollowed bottle of flattened, rounded-rectangular form, carved in relief on both sides with a large Indian lotus blossom flanked by a pair of leaves and scrolling tendrils, the neck carved with a band of pendant ruyi heads and flanked by a pair of thinly carved loop handles issuing from ruyi heads and suspending loose rings, the stone of even white tone, pink quartz stopper
2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired in the 1960s-70s.

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.

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Lot Essay

Hindustan jades, or jades influenced by the Mughal style, became popular under the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1736-95). The skill of Indian lapidaries made a deep impression on the emperor during the mid-reign, elevating these fine and intricate jade pieces to equal, and sometimes even higher status than locally carved wares. At some time around 1760, a Palace workshop known as the 'Tibetan Workshop' was established to carve such wares, and the style continued into the first half of the nineteenth century. Such wares are characterized by a unique hybrid style which incorporates complex Indian design and its preference for thinness and high polish into distinctive Chinese forms.

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