Lot 079 A BLUE AND WHITE AND UNDERGLAZE-RED ‘LIONS’ MEIPING-STYLE SNUFF BOTTLE REPUBLIC PERIOD

Description

A BLUE AND WHITE AND UNDERGLAZE-RED ‘LIONS’ MEIPING-STYLE SNUFF BOTTLE
REPUBLIC PERIOD
民国 青花釉里红狮子滚绣球纹梅瓶式鼻烟壶
MEASUREMENTS
H. 8.9 cm, 3.5 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 300 — 500
(HKD 2,300 — 3,900)
The snuff bottle is elegantly potted in the quintessential meiping (plum vase) form, featuring a narrow mouth, a short neck, and broad, “plump” shoulders that taper gracefully toward a recessed base. The porcelain body is remarkably fine and lightweight, covered in an even, luminous white glaze. The exterior is vibrantly decorated in underglaze blue and copper red, depicting the auspicious theme of “Lions Playing with Embroidered Balls.” The lions’ muscular forms and playful expressions are expertly captured with fluid cobalt-blue outlines, while their fiery manes and swirling flame motifs are brilliantly rendered in a rich underglaze-red. The dynamic composition flows seamlessly around the curvaceous body of the vase.
此鼻烟壶呈经典梅瓶造型：小口、短颈、丰肩、敛腹，比例协调，线条优美。胎体轻薄坚致，器身施以莹润白釉，釉面清亮。瓶身通体以青花釉里红工艺描绘“狮子滚绣球”图。匠人以细腻的青花勾勒狮子的灵动轮廓与须发细节，并以发色浓郁的釉里红填充毛发及周身环绕的火焰纹。狮子形态憨态可掬，神情生动，青花之幽蓝与釉里红之瑰丽交相辉映，构图层次清晰，展现了民国时期釉下双彩工艺的高超水平。
The “Lion” (shi) is a powerful homophone for “Preceptor” or “Master” (shi), a high-ranking official title in ancient China. The motif of lions playing with embroidered balls thus carries the profound auspicious meaning of “Success in all endeavors” (shishi ruyi) and “Official luck and prosperity” (guanyun hengtong). The meiping form, standing at a substantial 8.9 cm, provides a grand stage for this lively narrative. During the Republic period, such bottles were highly coveted for their blend of historical symbolism and technical refinement, serving as both functional snuff containers and sophisticated objects for literati contemplation.
“狮子滚绣球”是中国传统工艺美术中的经典纹饰。因“狮”谐音“事”及“师”，寓意“事事如意”及“官运亨通、辈辈太师”。本品高度达8.9厘米，在同类烟壶中体量颇巨，其修胎工艺严谨，底足修饰规整，体现了民国时期景德镇对清代官窑审美的完美继承与创新。此壶不仅色彩艳丽，且文化底蕴深厚，是这一时期陶瓷艺术与文人审美品味的集中体现，亦是鼻烟壶收藏中极具张力的装饰题材。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall excellent condition. The blue and red underglaze colors are vibrant and exhibit no running or firing defects. The porcelain body is free of any chips, cracks, or restorations.
• 状况： 整体品相极佳。青花与釉里红发色明丽，无晕散或烧制缺陷。瓷胎质地坚实，经检测无任何崩口、裂纹或修复迹象，保存状况非常理想。