Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Spinach Jade Snuff Bottle to the 18th Century.
Nephrite Jade (Spinach Variety)
Dimensions: 7.3cm High
The stone is of a deep, mossy spinach-green tone with natural dark speckling. The exterior is carved in low relief with a continuous scene featuring a phoenix, a chilong, and two bats amidst scrolling clouds.
The snuff bottle is distinguished and noteworthy for its incorporation of various auspicious decorative motifs:
Lingzhi Fungus Clouds: The cloud scrolls are shaped like the lingzhi fungus, traditional symbols of longevity and immortality.
The Bat (Fu): In Chinese, the character for bat is a homophone for happiness.
Dragon & Phoenix: This combination represents the two most auspicious animals in the Chinese zodiac, conveying good omens and inviting happiness to marriage.
Collective Meaning: These elements together encapsulate a sophisticated wish for a happy and long life.
Compare with a related jade double snuff bottle, 1780-1850, which was sold at Bonhams Paris, 15 December 2023, lot 111.
Provenance:
Formerly the Property of a Gentleman.
Current Acquisition: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London
Purchased from Bonhams, London, New Bond Street, 16 May 2024.
Auction: Fine Chinese Art.
Lot Number: 166.
Price Paid: £2,560 (including buyer's premium).
Condition: The bottle is in very good overall condition. There is a minor, slight nick to the outer edge of one of the rims (consistent with age and use).
The carving remains crisp, and the stone retains a fine, soft lustre.
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Spinach Jade Snuff Bottle to the 18th Century.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
A Fine Spinach-Green Jade 'Double' Snuff Bottle Period Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th Century
