The white jade bottle is of flattened shield form, carved on one side with two figures crossing a bridge in a mountainous landscape. The reverse is carved in raised relief with a poem describing the seasonal pursuits of the scholar. The bottle is fitted with a ruby-matrix stopper and metal spoon and is accompanied by a hardwood stand.
A white jade ‘landscape and poem’ snuff bottle (Qing dynasty, 18th century)
1 in stock
Description
Dimensions:
7.5 cm high, 4.2 cm wide, 1.5 cm deep
Provenance:
Sydney L. Moss Ltd, London
A private English collection, acquired from the above in 1972 (original invoice retained)
The white jade bottle is of flattened shield form, carved on one side with two figures crossing a bridge in a mountainous landscape. The reverse is carved in raised relief with a poem describing the seasonal pursuits of the scholar. The bottle is fitted with a ruby-matrix stopper and metal spoon and is accompanied by a hardwood stand.
The landscape and poem relate to the enjoyment of nature through the four seasons. The inscription was translated by Y. M. Kung, Hong Kong, in 1972 under the title The Ideal Pastimes of the Scholar:
One finds infinite pleasure in:
Roaming on the soft green lawns at Spring,
Admiring the blooms of lotus ponds in Summer,
Sipping Yellow Chrysanthemum Wine at Fall,
(And) Chanting Verses about Snow in Winter.
Additional information
| Period | Qing dynasty, 18th century |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.5 cm high, 4.2 cm wide, 1.5 cm deep |
