WANG XISAN, DATED TO THE JIYOU YEAR (1969), THE BOTTLE 1750-1850

For a discussion of the artist Wang Xisan see Moss, Graham, Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles, the Mary and George Bloch Collection, Vol. 6, Part 1, Hong Kong, 2008, pp. 273-275. The authors note, “As an artistic genius, Wang rapidly became one of the finest of all enamellers, both artistically and technically, that China has ever produced.” The artist paints glass snuff bottles and interior-painted snuff bottles, showing great artistry in both.

The present subject of kittens appears to be unusual in Wang Xisan's repertoire of themes. For other examples of inside-painted snuff bottles by the artist see ibid., Volume 4, Part 2, Hong Kong, 2000, pp. 558-589, nos. 656-667.