A CAMEO AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE

OFFICIAL SCHOOL, 1780-1850

Details

A CAMEO AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE
OFFICIAL SCHOOL, 1780-1850
The bottle is of flattened, rounded square shape, and is carved through the caramel-colored outer layer to the semi-translucent beige body on one slightly concave side with a monkey leading a horse on which is seated another monkey looking up at a wasp in flight above.
2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) high, coral glass stopper

Provenance

Lizzadro Collection, Chicago, Illinois, acquired prior to 1960.

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Lot Essay

According to T.T. Bartholomew, Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, 2006, p. 114, no. 5.13.1, the imagery on this bottle, of a monkey on the back of a horse, being led by another monkey, and with the addition of a wasp, conveys the message, 'may you immediately be conferred the rank of marquis' or 'may you immediately be appointed to a high-ranking position.'

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