A rare rock crystal snuff bottle signed Zhou Leyuan and dated c. 1884, Qing dynasty, of flattened circular flask form with cylindrical neck, carved with large circular raised medallion on the front and back and with long lug handles at the sides, Interior sepia painted medallions depicting a long landscape on one side, the other with an eagle perched on a stump and with inscriptions and seal mark, worked from a near flawless rock crystal, complimenting stopper. 2" h., 5 cm. [Excluding stopper]. Provenance, From A Montreal Collector Lot notes: Zhou Leyuan, the founder of the popular Beijing school of painting, was active between 1879 and 1893. Every artist of the first phase of the school owed a considerable debt to Zhou, and most began their careers by copying his style and signing his name; some even appear to have devoted most of their careers to producing copies of his work. This spectacular example comes from early in Zhou's career when he was first becoming justly famous and creating masterpieces that set new technical and artistic standards. The eagle is a symbol of power and strength, the Chinese word for eagle is Ying and therefore likening one to an eagle or giving a gift depicting an eagle is seen as calling someone a hero. The eagle is also a symbol for England as the word Ying sounds similar.

PLEASE REQUEST ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OR A CONDITION REPORT AS NEEDED.

The absence of a condition report does not imply good or bad condition however a condition report may be requested as additional information about any lot. Please understand that any statement about condition is provided to a prospective buyer as a courtesy and prospective buyer is encouraged to have a professional restorer or art conservator evaluate lots and their respective condition to make sure they meet any particular expectations. All lots are sold as-is where is. Please note this Sale is conducted in USD. All Canadian customers will have the option of paying the CAD equivalent. Keywords: Chinese imperial gilt bronze jade nephrite jadeite antique Beijing Shanghai Qing ming qianlong