Lot 086 A FINELY CARVED IVORY ‘DRAGON AND CLOUDS’ SNUFF BOTTLE REPUBLIC PERIOD

Description

A FINELY CARVED IVORY ‘DRAGON AND CLOUDS’ SNUFF BOTTLE
REPUBLIC PERIOD
民国 牙雕云龙纹盖式鼻烟壶
MEASUREMENTS
H. 7.4 cm, 2.9 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 200 — 300
(HKD 1,500 — 2,300)
The snuff bottle is of a slender cylindrical “sleeve” form, meticulously carved from an ivory-type material of a warm, milky-white hue. It features a narrow mouth and a matching domed cover. The exterior is decorated with a continuous and dramatic scene of an imperial dragon amongst scrolling clouds, executed in high deep relief (shen fudiao). The dragon is depicted with extraordinary detail, from its meticulously incised scales and flowing whiskers to its powerful, grasping claws. Swirling, multi-layered “ruyi” clouds fill the background, creating a dynamic sense of atmospheric movement. The surface is polished to a smooth, unctuous finish, highlighting the natural grain and the crispness of the carving.
此鼻烟壶呈直筒式，配以小口及原盖，造型挺拔俊秀。器身选用质地细腻、色泽莹润的材质，整体呈现如象牙般的奶白色温润质感。瓶身采用深浮雕技法，通体构筑出一幅翻江倒海的云龙盛景。龙身盘旋而上，其鳞甲层叠有序，龙须张扬，爪部遒劲有力，神态威严。周身环绕的祥云纹舒卷自然，层次分明，营造出极强的空间感与动态美。整器雕工流畅，细节处理严丝合缝，线条于方寸间纵横驰骋，展现了民国时期精益求精的雕刻工艺。
The dragon, a symbol of supreme power and cosmic vitality, remains the most revered motif in Chinese decorative arts. During the Republic period, artists often looked back to the grand imperial styles of the Qianlong reign, blending traditional motifs with a renewed focus on technical precision. The cylindrical form, standing at 7.4 cm, provides an ideal “canvas” for the narrative relief, allowing the dragon to appear as if emerging from the vessel’s surface. This piece serves as a sophisticated example of the transition between Qing imperial aesthetics and early 20th-century craftsmanship, making it a distinguished addition to a collection of fine snuff bottles and relief carvings.
龙纹作为中华文明的至尊图腾，象征着权柄与吉祥。此器高度达7.4厘米，在鼻烟壶中属于体量适中的陈设佳品。其直筒造型为复杂的深浮雕提供了绝佳的艺术空间，使龙纹在云海中呼之欲出，极具视觉冲击力。民国时期的雕刻艺术在继承清代宫廷风格的基础上，更加注重线条的规整与工艺的极致表达。此瓶不仅是盛装烟草的实用品，更是案头承载历史意蕴的艺术小品，体现了二十世纪初期藏家对宏大叙事题材与温润材质的双重追求。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall excellent condition. The surface retains a warm, lustrous patina with characteristic natural grain visible. The relief carving is well-preserved with no significant chips or cracks. The cover fits securely.
• 状况： 整体品相极佳。表面包浆自然，光泽温润。深浮雕纹饰保存完好，线条清晰，经检测无任何崩口或裂纹。原盖扣合紧密。