QIANLONG FOUR-CHARACTER MARK IN BLUE ENAMEL AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

Details

A SMALL PAINTED ENAMEL 'EUROPEAN SUBJECT' SNUFF BOTTLE
QIANLONG FOUR-CHARACTER MARK IN BLUE ENAMEL AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)
Each side of the bottle is delicately painted with a cartouche within a floral border, enclosing a pastoral scene with two European ladies engaged in conversation under a tall tree.
Overall 2 ½ in. (6.2 cm.) high including gilt-metal stopper

Provenance

Bonham's London, 10 July 2006, lot 334.

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

Sale room notice

Please note that this lot should be marked a SWUNG DASH ~ symbol in the printed catalogue indicating this lot incorporates ivory materials. Please refer to H2(b) in the “Conditions of Sale, Buying at Christie's” section at the back of the catalogue.

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Lot Essay

The current snuff bottle reflects the fascination of the Qianlong Emperor with Western subjects, which appear on both porcelain and metal enamelled wares produced during his reign. This Occidentalism mirrors the Orientalism seen in the fascination of the European courts with Chinese subjects. As is often the case, the European figures on this snuff bottle are depicted with reddish-brown hair, an aspect of Western appearance which intrigued many Chinese citizens at the time.

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