Lot 090 A PAIR OF WHITE JADE ‘BAMBOO-WEAVE’ SNUFF BOTTLES QING DYNASTY – REPUBLIC PERIOD

Description

A PAIR OF WHITE JADE ‘BAMBOO-WEAVE’ SNUFF BOTTLES
QING DYNASTY – REPUBLIC PERIOD
清至民国 白玉仿竹编纹鼻烟壶一对
MEASUREMENTS
H. 4.1 cm; 4.0 cm
1 ⅝ in; 1 ½ in
ESTIMATE
USD 500 — 800
The pair of snuff bottles is elegantly carved from white jade, each featuring a small mouth, a short waisted neck, and a flattened globular body supported by a low foot ring. The exterior of each vessel is meticulously incised with a “bamboo-weave” (zhubian) pattern, mimicking the intricate textures of traditional wickerwork. The jade exhibits a semi-translucent, milky-white tone with a warm, unctuous “mutton-fat” luster. The carving is precise and rhythmic, with the woven texture providing a pleasing tactile quality that enhances the functional nature of the objects.
器物以白玉为材，质地温润，呈半透明的乳白色，触之如脂。两壶形制规整，均为小口、短颈、扁圆腹、下承矮圈足。壶身通体以细腻的线条暗刻仿竹编纹，经纬交错，肌理清晰，巧妙地将天然玉石的坚致与传统工艺的轻盈视觉相结合。此对鼻烟壶工艺精细，纹饰布局严谨，展现了清末民初玉雕工艺对日常器物的艺术化提升。
In the world of Chinese snuff bottle collecting, “paired displays” (chengdui) are highly sought after as they symbolize harmony and domestic balance. The choice of the bamboo-weave motif carries auspicious connotations: bamboo (zhu) is a traditional symbol of resilience, humility, and high moral character (junzi), while the woven structure represents “intertwined longevity” and “unity.” Standing at approximately 4 cm each, these bottles are perfectly proportioned for the hand, embodying the seamless fusion of practical use and the sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities of the Qing literati.
在鼻烟壶收藏体系中，“成对陈设”历来是重要的审美形式，寓意“好事成双、和谐圆满”。此对器物选用的仿竹编纹，不仅赋予了玉石丰富的视觉层次，更寄托了文人对竹之“坚韧、虚心”高洁品质的崇尚。其尺寸小巧精悍，高度均在4厘米左右，极宜掌中把玩。这种兼具实用功能与案头观赏性的白玉小品，是研究清末至民初微型玉雕艺术及其社交文化的重要实物资料。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: Both bottles are in overall excellent condition. The white jade shows a natural, soft luster. No chips, cracks, or restorations. The incised patterns remain crisp and well-defined.
• 状况： 成对品相极佳。玉质温润，光泽自然。经检测无任何崩口、裂纹或修复迹象。仿竹编纹饰清晰挺拔，保存完好，具有极高的陈设与把玩价值。