A 'BOY AND FIVE BATS' SHADOW AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE, QING DYNASTY

Honey colored, translucent agate of even tone, with few dark-brown streaks, the main side with an opaque dark-brown layer, smooth surface polish. China, 1750-1850

The dark-brown layer in the mineral has been masterfully used for a high-relief carving, depicting a boy holding a conch with escaping smoke, surrounded by five flying bats, all with neatly incised detail work. Five bats together represent the 'Five Blessings' (wufu) long life, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death.

Shape: Compressed rectangular shape with rounded shoulders
Hollowing: Excellent
Mouth, neck and lip: Short cylindric neck with convex top and small mouth
Base: Oval with raised foot rim
Design, marks, school: Official school
Stopper: Carnelian cabochon
Height of the bottle with stopper: 6.5 cm.
Width of the mouth: 6 mm.
Width of the neck: 20 mm.
Condition: Good, small hardly visible chip to one bat
Provenance: Swedish private collection

Literature comparison: The Norman Stiller Collection. Fine Asian Art. Bonhams, San Francisco, June 21st, 2011, lot 8143. (for a carved amethyst version of the 'five bats' subject) Important Chinese Snuff Bottles from a Distinguished American Collection. Christies, Hong Kong, October 7th, 2014, lot 35. (for a painted lacquer version of the 'five bats' subject) Important Chinese Snuff Bottles from the J&J Collection, Part IV. Christies, New York, March 22nd, 2007, lot 10. (for a carved serpentine version of the 'five bats' subject)

清代"五福"瑪瑙鼻烟壺
品相良好，一隻蝙蝠上有几不可見的裂縫
瑞典私人收藏