Lot 088 A RARE CARVED TURQUOISE ‘FIGURES AND AUSPICIOUS BEASTS’ SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY

Description

A RARE CARVED TURQUOISE ‘FIGURES AND AUSPICIOUS BEASTS’ SNUFF BOTTLE
QING DYNASTY
清 绿松石雕人物瑞兽图鼻烟壶
MEASUREMENTS
H. 6.7 cm, 2.6 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 300 — 500
(HKD 2,300 — 3,900)
The snuff bottle is expertly carved from a vibrant, natural turquoise stone of a distinctive blue-green hue, characteristic of the high-quality mineral sought during the Qing dynasty. The artist has employed a masterful combination of high-relief, round carving, and openwork (loukong) to create a dense, three-dimensional scene encircling the body. The motif features a dynamic arrangement of immortal figures and auspicious beasts, set amidst a lush backdrop of scrolling floral vines and ruyi clouds. The natural matrix of the stone, with its dark “iron lines,” is skillfully integrated into the composition, adding a rugged, organic beauty to the meticulously detailed figures.
此鼻烟壶由天然绿松石雕琢而成，色泽苍翠，蓝绿相间，呈现出清代宫廷珍视的宝石质感。工匠巧用圆雕与透雕技法，在方寸之间营造出极具空间感的立体画面。壶身通体雕刻人物与瑞兽交织的盛景，辅以如意云头及灵动花卉，构图繁密而层次分明。人物神态怡然，瑞兽形神兼备，展现了清代玉雕工艺中精益求精的写实功底。绿松石特有的黑色铁线纹理自然穿插其间，宛如苍山古径，使整器在精巧之余更添一份浑然天成的古雅意趣。
Turquoise has long been revered in China as a “sacred stone,” often associated with protection and spiritual clarity. In the Qing dynasty, turquoise snuff bottles were highly prized by the nobility, not only for their vibrant color but also for the tactile warmth they developed through handling. This particular example, standing at 6.7 cm, is designed with a matching stopper and a bespoke wooden stand, reflecting its dual purpose as a sophisticated personal accessory and a distinguished literati desk ornament. The complexity of the openwork carving elevates this piece from a mere vessel to a miniature sculpture, embodying the auspicious symbolism of longevity and heavenly protection common in the imperial decorative arts.
绿松石在古代被誉为“天国之石”，象征着吉祥与守护。本品体量适中，高度达6.7厘米，配有原盖及木质底座，既可作为随身把玩的珍宠，亦可作为案头陈设的清供。其复杂的透雕工艺极大地增加了制作难度，代表了清代后期对多层装饰美学的极致追求。人物与瑞兽的组合寄托了“天人合一、吉星高照”的美好寓意。此器质地温润，包浆自然，是研究清代宝石雕刻工艺及鼻烟文化不可多得的艺术精品。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall good condition. The turquoise exhibits a rich, natural patina and stable iron lines. Minor age-appropriate surface wear and occasional natural mineral pitting consistent with the material. The matching stopper fits well.
• 状况： 整体品相良好。绿松石色泽入骨，包浆自然，铁线分布稳固。见时代特征之轻微表面磨损及宝石天然矿坑，符合材质特性。配盖扣合稳健，木座保存完好。