Bottle ID: 663
CARVED AS A MELON WITH VINES
Date: 1750-1820
Height: 52 mm
Nephrite, white, very well hollowed, carved in the form of a melon with trailing vines and a butterfly in relief.
Similar Examples:
Crane Collection no. 415
Crane Collection no. 925
Snuff Bottles - The Complete Treasures of the Palace Museum, Vol. 47, Beijing 2003, p. 148, no. 221.
Parke-Bernet Galleries Inc., New York, May 12, 1970, lot 656, Collection of Mrs. Elmer A. Claar.
Low, Denis S. K. Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect III, 2007, p. 60, no. 41.
Provenance:
Asian Art Studio
In the Han Dynasty, the literati were often caught up in the political turmoil at the Court. To avoid any involvement, and in order to remain in favor, they would often ride out the upheaval by a sojourn to the countryside, where they would go and plant melons! Thus this seemingly aimless pursuit became a symbol of resistance for the scholar.
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