A CARVED 'MASTER OF THE ROCKS' JADE SNUFF BOTTLE
Attributed to the Master of the Rocks School, 1750-1850
Of rectangular form with shoulders sloping to a cylindrical neck, and with a neatly carved oval footrim, the green stone very well-hollowed, and covered in a rich russet-brown skin, carved on one main side with the Hehe twins in a rocky mountainous landscape, one drinking from a double gourd while the other holds a vessel, continued on the reverse with Li Tieguai holding a bronze censer which emits drifting vapor, one narrow side with Liu hai seated beside a three-legged toad emitting vapor from its mouth; stopper.

2 1/4in (7cm) high
Footnotes:
1750-1850 青玉帶皮刻四仙圖鼻煙壺一件
卵石皮浮雕大師流派

Provenance:
Bessie K. Shierson Collection
Sotheby's, New York, February 25, 1982, Snuff Bottles from the Estate of Bessie K. Shierson, lot 180
Joan and Ted Dorf Collection, no. 113

Exhibited:
The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, MD., September 30 – December 9, 2018

This is an extraordinary bottle in a number of ways. The design is inspired by a known Ming dynasty painting entitled Si Xian Gong Shou (Four Immortals Offering Longevity Wishes). The contrast of the green jade with the rich russet skin provides a setting for the carver to show his skill in portraying two scenes, one on each side, connected by rockwork and figures, such as Liu hai and his three-legged toad. Leaving a depth of leathery skin on this bottle ensures the tactile nature of the piece.

Very good condition. The dark brown skin is skillfully utilized in the figural representation.