Bottle ID: 629

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OFF-WHITE, GRAY, WITH BLACK BIRD

Date: 1760-1840

Height: 53 mm

Nephrite, of slightly translucent, mottled yellowish-green and white tones with a dark brown skin, well hollowed, of ovoid form with an irregular oval foot; carved using the natural colouring in the stone with a continuous scene of a long-tailed bird perched in the lingzhi, in a rocky landscape setting, the carving continuing under the foot. Attributed to the Suzhou School.

Similar Examples:

Lawrence, Clare. Miniature Masterpieces from the Middle Kingdom - The Monimar Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles, 1996, pp. 134-135, no. 61.138.

Provenance:

Hugh Moss [HK] Ltd.
A Private Hong Kong Collection
Hugh Moss [HK] Ltd.
Sotheby's, Hong Kong, October 28, 1993, lot 1199
Eric Young
Sotheby's, New York, June 25, 1982, lot 149
Bob C. Stevens

Exhibited:

An Exhibition of Chinese Snuff bottles and Dishes from the Bob C. Stevens Collection, Mikimoto Hall, Tokyo, 22-31 October, 1978

Published:

Catalogue of an Exhibition of Chinese Snuff Bottles and Dishes from the Bob C. Stevens Collection, Mikimoto Hall, Tokyo, 22-31  October, 1978, p. 78, no. 213
Stevens, Bob C. The Collector's Book of Snuff Bottles, 1976, p. 116, no. 392

In terms of usage of material, this bottle from the Suzhou School of carving is unique. Although generally masterfully carved, the nephrite used by this School is limited in terms of color. Ranges of white and black are the norm with the use of the russet skin of the pebble a characteristic feature used to enhance the design. The stone used here is not particularly appealing, but the manner in which it is carved and the inspired use of the blackish-brown skin renders the bottle a supreme example of the artistry of these carvers.

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