An mauve glass enameled 'prunus' snuff bottle


Late 19th/20th centuryThe flattened bottle finished with a slightly recessed lip and oval foot ring surrounding the convex foot, brilliantly enameled with the continuous design of a blossoming prunus tree bearing numerous charming white blossoms. 2 5/8in (6.7cm) high
|十九世紀末/二十世紀 料胎畫琺瑯梅花圖鼻煙壺ProvenanceJade House, Hong Kong, 16 July 2001The present example differs from the celebrated and mysterious Guyue Xuan enameled glasswork from the 18th and 19th centuries, where the enamels were often applied in a thin and light style, reflecting the aesthetic taste of the traditional Chinese ink paintings. This bottle with its fine and accomplished enamel work, together with the combined rich colors bring lavishness and elegance together, evoking an imperial enameled copper and gold 'blossoming prunus' snuff bottle, made by the imperial command of the Kangxi emperor (refer to the Snuff Bottles from the Mary and George Bloch Collection: Part IV, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 28 November 2011, lot 166). It would not be unreasonable to speculate that the present bottle was inspired by the brilliant beauty of the Kangxi enameled copper 'prunus' bottle, either during the Guangxu period to reflect the Empress Dowager Cixi's taste for glamorous luxury, or from the hand of a talented and skillful artisan from the first half to the mid-20th century.