Lot 084 A MAGNIFICENT AND RARE CARVED IVORY ‘LITERATI’ SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

Description

A MAGNIFICENT AND RARE CARVED IVORY ‘LITERATI’ SNUFF BOTTLE
QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY
清十九世纪 象牙高浮雕“高士图”大号鼻烟壶
MEASUREMENTS
H. 10.0 cm, 3.9 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 800 — 1.200
The snuff bottle is masterfully carved from a single piece of ivory, exhibiting a substantial and well-proportioned form that tapers gracefully toward a flat, recessed base. The exterior is intricately decorated in high relief with two scalloped “ruyi”-shaped medallions, each framing a meticulously detailed narrative scene of literati life. One side depicts an elderly scholar leaning on a desk in deep contemplation, accompanied by a young attendant within a scholarly retreat. The reverse reveals a high-relief mountain landscape where a master and disciple wander amidst jagged rockwork and ancient pines. The vertical sides of the bottle are embellished with elegant, deeply undercut scrollwork and floral motifs that seamlessly connect the two main panels. The material has aged to a warm, mellow creamy-yellow tone, accented by a fine network of natural “laughter lines” (crazing) that enhance its antique character. The bottle is capped with a matching domed cover carved with foliate scrolls and a lotus bud finial, retaining its original spoon.
此鼻烟壶体量宏大，工法严谨，由整块象牙精雕而成。壶身呈扁瓶形，下腹微敛，底足平实。器身通体施以精湛的高浮雕及镂雕工艺，两侧均有如意头形开光，内刻文人士大夫生活场景，意境清幽。正面描绘“课子读书图”：高士伏案沉思，旁有童子侍立，背景衬以书斋陈设，生动传神。背面则表现“携琴访友”或“高士寻幽”之景：师徒二人行走于崇山峻岭、奇石古松之间，布局深远，层次分明。壶侧饰以繁复的缠枝花卉及如意卷草纹，过渡自然，极具装饰美感。象牙材质温润，包浆厚腴，呈现出自然的象牙黄色及细微的“笑纹”，显露岁月之痕。原装盖纽雕琢精细，配以牙匙，保存完好，殊为难得。
Ivory snuff bottles featuring such complex, multi-layered high relief are emblematic of the refined craftsmanship centered in Guangzhou and Beijing during the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty. The “literati” theme—celebrating scholarly pursuits and the harmony between man and nature—reflects the deeply ingrained aesthetic values of the Chinese elite. The monumental 10 cm height sets this piece apart from standard snuff containers, categorizing it as a “large-size” bottle intended more as a prestigious desk ornament or a scholarly collector’s piece than for daily carry. The exceptional depth of the carving, combined with the masterful use of the ivory’s natural grain, creates a miniature world that invites close tactile and visual appreciation. It stands as a sophisticated example of late Qing dynastic ivory carving, blending narrative art with functional elegance.
此件象牙鼻烟壶所采用的高浮雕技法，是清代中晚期“牙雕工艺”巅峰水平的缩影。其纹饰取材于文人画中的经典意象，通过对“出世”与“入世”两种生活状态的刻画，反映了当时社会对高洁志趣的追慕。10厘米的高度在鼻烟壶中堪称“大号”，使其不仅作为盛纳烟粉的器皿，更成为文房案头可供清玩的艺术珍品。雕刻运刀犀利且圆润，将繁复的山水人物浓缩于方寸之间，其层次感与立体感即便在同类器中亦属上乘。这种兼具实用性与叙事艺术的作品，不仅是研究晚清雕刻史的重要实物，更是清代文人审美趣向的生动体现。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall excellent condition. The carving remains crisp with very minimal wear to the highlights. The ivory has a natural, attractive patina with age-appropriate surface crazing (laughter lines) primarily visible on the base and neck. No signs of restoration.
• 状况: 整体品相极佳。雕工保存完好，纹饰细节依然清晰锐利，仅高浮雕突出处见极轻微之自然磨损。牙质受年功沁染，包浆亮丽，底足及颈部见象牙特有之天然“笑纹”，为时代特征。无任何修补痕迹。