SIGNED MA SHAOXUAN, DATED START OF THE HOT SEASON IN THE JIHAI YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1899

Details

AN INSIDE-PAINTED GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE
SIGNED MA SHAOXUAN, DATED START OF THE HOT SEASON IN THE JIHAI YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1899
Of flattened form, finely painted on the interior on one main side with a collection of old and tattered inscribed paper items, including envelopes, books and rubbings, the reverse painted with an excerpt from the essay Jiucheng Gong Liquan Ming (The Sweet Spring of Jiucheng Palace), by Tang dynasty politician Wei Zheng (580-643) followed by the signature of the artist and one seal reading Shaoxuan, coral stopper with faux pearl finial
2 3/8 in. (6.1 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired in New York, 1993.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Ma Shaoxuan (1867-1939) was one of the most technically accomplished artists of the Beijing school of snuff-bottle painting, which was founded by Zhou Leyuan and included other leading artists, such as Ding Erzhong, Ye Zhongsan and Ziyizi. Another bottle by Ma Shaoxuan with the same decoration, dated to 1910, is illustrated R. Kleiner, Chinese Snuff Bottles: A Miniature Art from the Collection of Mary and George Bloch, Hong Kong, 1994, p. 409, no. 337.

More from Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections

View All