Bottle ID: 760

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CARVED COILING DRAGON & CARP

Date: 1780-1850

Height: 60 mm

Amber, well hollowed, of irregular oval shape, with a flat base, continuously carved with a scaly coiling dragon flying through scrolling clouds as it rises through the air in pursuit of the flaming pearl, a fan-tailed carp rising on one side from choppy waves.

Similar Examples:

Crane Collection no. 625

Provenance:

Collection of a private Californian lady.

The nearest example of a similar bottle, at least in terms of form, is also in the Crane Collection (no. 625). However, that bottle is sparsely carved whilst this example is continuously carved on the whole surface of the bottle. In form it is more akin to a seal, rather than a snuff bottle, however close examination of the carving near to the mouth clarifies for us that it was made as a snuff bottle and is not a seal or handling piece which has been converted. The subject matter tells the story of the Yellow River carp leaping from the Longmen or Dragon Gate rapids as it transforms into a dragon in the sky.

 

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