A RARE CARVED BLACK AND WHITE LIMESTONE SNUFF BOTTLE

IMPERIAL, 1700-1800

Details

A RARE CARVED BLACK AND WHITE LIMESTONE SNUFF BOTTLE
IMPERIAL, 1700-1800
Of flattened, rounded form supported on an oval footrim, the bottle is carved on either side with a mallow blossom. The narrow sides are carved with mask and ring handles. The stone is of dark purplish-black tone with creamy white and ochre inclusions.
2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm) high, coral stopper with metal collar

Provenance

Jana Volf, New York, 1996.

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Lot Essay

This appears to be a unique imperial bottle. It does not include the usual fossiliferous material that appears in more standard mid-Qing limestone bottles. It is decorated on either side with a stylized mallow, a symbol of loyalty to the emperor since the head of the mallow follows the path of the sun all day, and the sun is associated with the emperor. This motif was ideal for bottles presented by the emperor to his officials, reminding them of their duty of loyalty.

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