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Lot Essay
The fossiliferous limestone used for this bottle is extraordinary in the consistency of the circular markings. 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.
A similarly carved bottle, made of black and white limestone, in The Hildegard Schonfeld Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles, was sold at Christie’s New York, 21 March 2013, lot 1058.
A similarly carved bottle, made of black and white limestone, in The Hildegard Schonfeld Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles, was sold at Christie’s New York, 21 March 2013, lot 1058.