Lot: 515

An important porcelain snuff bottle of Qianlong period with mark

This snuff bottle has an unusual donut shape that existed primarily among Kangxi porcelain wares of early 18th century. It has a fine porcelain body and decorated in cloisonne enamels (Fa Lan Cai) of 18th century. The mellowed glaze has uniform bubbles that are densely distributed in the glaze, a feature of Qianlong glaze. The main motif is the “Lei Wen” (thunder pattern) in gold over a coral (orange) red ground. A butterfly-shape “Chin” (a musical jade panel that emits pleasing sound when stroked) is painted on each side, to represent “celebration” (which also pronounces Chin). Attaching to the Chin are two jewelry beads and a branching silk ornament, which is elaborately painted with gold streaks. The cover and the mouth rim are covered with thick gold enamel, which is so thick that one can see gold powder with the aid of a magnifying glass. This type gold enamel was common during the reigns of Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong when China was wealthy. Starting 19th century, China experienced severe economic hardship and the gold enamel became thinner and thinner. Starting 2nd half of 19th century, the glossy, cheap imported “water gold” (Sui Jin) was used on porcelain. Thus the type of gold enamels can help determine the period of a porcelain ware. Due to close to 300 years’ aging, the gold enamel on this snuff bottle is no more as shining as new. Also due to aging, the enamels’ surfaces look dull. Fa Lan Cai was use on some of the most prized Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong porcelain wares, but seldom used on snuff bottles. The underglaze imperial mark is well written and typical for Qianlong imperial snuff bottles. Numerous fake Qianlong snuff bottles are known to have been made, especially during early 20th century, however, it is not very difficult to distinguish the genuine from the fake. The marks on the fakes are often poorly written and untypical, usually in blue enamel, not in underglaze blue. The surfaces of the glazes and enamels of the fakes usually are more shinning. 

Size: 6.3 x 4.9 x 2.1 cm 

Weight: 46 grams

Provenance: Dr. Robert I-San Lin Collection, whose grandfather was a major antique dealer during late Qing-early Republic;brought to California in 1960s.  Dr. Lin’s biography published in Journal of Artworks Authentication, ISSN 2095 - 9109.  2015, vol. 6.