Lot 081 A RARE BLUE AND WHITE AND UNDERGLAZE-RED ‘AURE OF AUTHORITY’ SNUFF BOTTLE REPUBLIC PERIOD

Description

A RARE BLUE AND WHITE AND UNDERGLAZE-RED ‘AURE OF AUTHORITY’ SNUFF BOTTLE
REPUBLIC PERIOD
民国 青花釉里红“封侯及第”瑞兽纹鼻烟壶
MEASUREMENTS
H. 7.7 cm, 3.0 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 300 — 500
(HKD 2,300 — 3,900)
The snuff bottle is of a classic cylindrical “sleeve” form, expertly potted with a narrow mouth, a short waisted neck, and high, rounded shoulders. It is surmounted by a dark-hued, domed stopper that provides a sharp contrast to the luminous white glaze. The exterior is masterfully decorated in the dual underglaze techniques of cobalt blue and copper red. The narrative scene features a powerful tiger and a spirited monkey set within a landscape of gnarled pine branches and jagged rock formations. The underglaze red is particularly well-controlled, adding a vibrant warmth to the figures, while the blue tones provide depth to the scenery.
此鼻烟壶呈直筒式，小口、短颈、丰肩，形制规整挺拔。胎体细腻坚致，外罩白釉，釉面莹润如脂。器身采用青花与釉里红双色釉下彩工艺，描绘出一幅生动的瑞兽山石图：怪石嶙峋间，苍松横卧，树下猛虎俯首，树上灵猴攀援，神态各异，栩栩如生。釉里红发色沉稳，青花发色明丽，两种色彩在窑火的淬炼下和谐共生，展现了民国时期对传统釉下双彩工艺的精湛掌控。
The decorative scheme is rich in traditional Chinese rebuses (xiangrui). The tiger is the supreme symbol of dignity, courage, and authority, often believed to ward off evil. The monkey, a homophone for hou (marquis), when combined with the pine tree (symbolizing longevity), represents the auspicious wish for “promotion to high rank” (fenghou) and lasting eminence. This specific combination of “The Tiger and the Monkey” is a rare and sophisticated variation of the more common “Monkey and Horse” ( ma shang feng hou ) motif. Standing at 7.7 cm, this bottle exemplifies the high-quality ceramic production of the Republic period, where artisans successfully revived the complex underglaze-red traditions of the high Qing to satisfy the tastes of modern literati collectors.
本品纹饰蕴含深厚的吉祥寓意：虎为百兽之王，象征威严与辟邪；猴谐音“侯”，寓意高升。松、石、虎、猴的组合，构成了“辈辈封侯”与“威震四方”的宏大祈愿。釉里红工艺在烧造中极难控制，此瓶发色恰到好处，既保留了文人画的笔墨意趣，又兼具宫廷艺术的富丽感。高度7.7厘米，握感厚重，是民国时期景德镇窑厂向清早期艺术巅峰致敬的代表作，亦是藏家案头不可多得的雅玩珍品。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall excellent condition. The blue and red enamels are vibrant and stable under the glaze. No chips, cracks, or restorations to the porcelain body. Minor natural wear to the stopper.
• 状况： 整体品相极佳。青花与釉里红发色明快稳定。瓷胎经检测无任何崩口、裂纹或修复。盖部见时代特征之轻微自然磨损，保存状况非常理想。