Bottle ID: 310

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CARVED WITH MAGPIES, PRUNUS

Date: 1750-1800

Height: 63 mm

Coral, of varied salmon pink color with some white areas, of flattened rectangular form, with shoulders sloping to a slightly oval neck, and with a recessed, oval foot; well carved in relief with a continuous design, cleverly using the natural white inclusions in the material to accentuate details, of two pairs of magpies perched in the branches of a blossoming prunus tree growing amid rockwork.

Similar Examples:

Sotheby's, New York, September 14, 2010, lot 1, The Joe Grimberg Collection.
Nicollier, Verene. The Baur Collection Geneva, Chinese Snuff Bottles, 2007, pp. 324-325, no. H154.
Kleiner, Robert. Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect. Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Collection of Denis Low, 1999, p. 268, no. 227.

Provenance:

Hugh Moss (HK) Ltd.
Eric Holleman
Hugh M. Moss Ltd.
Milton Kam (Hong Kong)

This is a rare example from a group of early coral bottles, apparently dating from the mid-Qing period, which use pale, often flawed material, sometimes filled with wax. They are often carved in a flattened rectangular shape and are usually of a continuous scene. The design of magpies and prunus is exceptional for this group, as bats and squirrels on vines seem to be the most popular subjects. Whilst the style of carving on the Crane example identifies it as part of this group, the use of the white coral markings in the material to highlight design elements is exceptional. The subject matter of magpies in the branches of a prunus tree forms a rebus meaning ‘may you have joy up to your eyebrows,’ while pairs of magpies are also a symbol of marital happiness.

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