A WHITE JADE DOUBLE GOURD SNUFF BOTTLE
1750-1820
Of flattened, double gourd form with a cylindrical neck, and with a neatly carved oval footrim, the white stone well-hollowed, carved in low relief with on one main side in the lower half, lotus leaves, pods and flowers growing from a pond, the upper 'bulb' with a four-character inscription in raised relief reading he sheng ruixiu (the lotus carries auspicious grace), the reverse with leafy, flowering chrysanthemums issuing from rockwork, below a four-character inscription reading ju fang qingxiang (the chrysanthemum exudes fresh fragrance); stopper.
2 1/2in (6.5cm) high
Footnotes:
1750-1820 白玉刻花卉葫蘆形鼻煙壺一件

Provenance:
Sotheby's London, June 6, 1988, lot 227
Joan and Ted Dorf Collection, no. 72

The Cleveland Museum of Art houses a handscroll by the Ming dynasty artist, Wang Guxiang, painted in 1531 with Flowers of the Four Seasons, with Poems. In this handscroll early spring is represented by narcissus and peony while bamboo and prunus represent winter. Each flower is accompanied by a poetic inscription which ties it in to a historic or legendary figure, such as a famous poet. A similar idea is at play here, although perhaps with a more direct message.

Some veining and inclusions in the stone, one noticeable on the upper lobe. A brilliantly carved, very well-hollowed, pale white bottle.