拍品專文
The auspicious symbolism of bats and shou (longevity) characters is typical of a range of Court designs, and snuff bottles and other works of art decorated with such motifs would frequently be distributed by the Emperor as gifts. The bat (fu) and shou medallion, together with the form of the bottle (ping) provides the rebus fushou ping'an ("May you be blessed with good fortune, long life and peace").
The inclusion of five bats on each main side of the bottle is also significant - five bats represent the Five Blessings (a long life, riches, health, love of virtue, and a natural death). They also form the rebus wufu qingshou ("five bats extend good wishes on one's birthday").
The inclusion of five bats on each main side of the bottle is also significant - five bats represent the Five Blessings (a long life, riches, health, love of virtue, and a natural death). They also form the rebus wufu qingshou ("five bats extend good wishes on one's birthday").