A LAVENDER-BLUE AGATE 'BATS ON A POUCH' SNUFF BOTTLE, 19TH TO EARLY 20TH CENUTRY
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Description
China, c. 1830-1920. Well carved in the form of a pouch tied at the mouth with a ribbon suspending tassels, the lavender-blue and white agate carved in varying relief making good use of the natural coloring, cleverly utilizing the white markings of the stone to depict three bats and swirling clouds.
Provenance: Gurie Gallery, Montreal, prior to 1970. Collection of Christopher and Genevieve McConnell, acquired from the above. Gurie Gallery, established by the esteemed Gurevich family, traces its origins to Harbin in northeastern China during the first half of the 20th century. Relocating to Canada in the 1950s, the family transplanted its passion for art and design to Montreal, where Gurie Gallery blossomed into a venerable institution within the art and design community. Christopher McConell, a Montreal born engineer and his wife Genevieve, a French doctor of osteopathy and research artist, are both avid collectors of African, Indian, and Chinese art.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few minute nibbles around the mouth, occasional light scratches.
Stopper: Coral on black platelet, carved spoon
Weight: 38 g
Dimensions: Height including stopper 65 mm. Diameter mouth 5 mm
The image of gourds on vines is a rebus for 'fortune and prosperity through ten thousand generations' (fulu wandai), while the combination of bats and gourds forms a second pun for 'good fortune and wealth' (fulu).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 17 September 2008, lot 45
Price: USD 6,250 or approx. EUR 8,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An unusual carved lavender-blue agate snuff bottle, 1830-1920
Expert remark: Compare the related manner of carving and color of the stone of the white markings. Note the form and smaller size (42.5 mm).
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