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Lot Essay
The imagery of magpies on prunus branches was a popular motif on Qing-dynasty snuff bottles. The magpie is the bird of happiness and the messenger of good news. A magpie on prunus branches forms the rebus, "happiness up to one's eyebrows."
For another inside-painted snuff bottle by Ye Zhongsan decorated with this theme, see D. Low, More Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect, Hong Kong, 2002, p. 349, no. 314, where the author notes that thirty magpies may also signify good wishes for every day of the month.
For another inside-painted snuff bottle by Ye Zhongsan decorated with this theme, see D. Low, More Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect, Hong Kong, 2002, p. 349, no. 314, where the author notes that thirty magpies may also signify good wishes for every day of the month.