A RUBY-RED ‘CARP’ SNOWFLAKE-GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE, POSSIBLY IMPERIAL, 18TH CENTURY

Bubble-suffused transparent snowflake-glass with translucent ruby-red overlay carved and incised in high relief.

China, 1750-1790

Of elongated teardrop form, finely carved through the ruby-red glass to the bubble-suffused clear ground with a single large carp rising up from curling ocean waves and spray surrounding the oval foot towards the neck of the bottle. The fish depicted with its typical, elongated barbels.
The bold conception of this overlay glass bottle is impressive and is a variation on the design of the 'Carp leaping through Dragon Gate', which alludes to the attainment of rank and fulfilment of one's ambitions, as when the carp transforms into the dragon according to legend.

Shape: Bulbous tear drop form
Hollowing: Standard
Mouth, neck and lip: Sprawling elongated neck with flat top and very large mouth, typical for imperial bottles from this period
Base: Oval, spiral form base, carved from ocean waves
Design, marks, school: Attributed to the Beijing Palace Workshops, 1750-1790
Stopper: Carnelian on a black platelet with good old spoon
Height of the bottle with stopper: 8,3 cm.
Width of the mouth: 9 mm.
Width of the neck: 15 mm.
Weight: 43,5 grams
Condition: Good condition with two tiny polished flaws, a few open bubbles and part of one barbel replaced
Provenance: American private collection, old labels to top

Literature comparison: Compare a similar bottle in the Marian Meyer Collection with the same type of elongated glass snuff bottle with a red overlay fish wrapped around the foot, with the only difference being that this one spouts a pavilion from its mouth on one side, illustrated in Hall, Chinese Snuff Bottles II, London, 1989, no. 44. See also another bottle of similar shape and decoration but on clear ground from the Eric Young Collection sold in Sotheby’s Hong Kong rooms, 28th October 1993, lot 1031.

Auction result comparison: FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART. Sotheby’s, 31 MARCH - 01 APRIL 2005, NEW YORK, lot 359. (for a similar bottle)

18世紀雪霏地寶石紅套料”鯉魚”鼻烟壺，可能為御製
透明雪霏地玻璃胎，氣泡均勻散布，半透明寶石紅套料雕飾
中國，1750-1790年
品相良好，一條觸鬚經修補
美國私人收藏，瓶口留有標記