IMPERIAL, PALACE WORKSHOPS, BEIJING, 1767-1799

The current bottle belongs to a rare group of bottles reputed to have been created for imperial use at the Ancient Moon Pavilion. This rare group exhibits enameled decoration, as well as examples such as the present bottle that features carved and enameled decoration. For a discussion on the group and several examples, see Moss, Graham, Tsang, The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle: The J & J Collection, New York, 1993, nos. 192 - 204, pp. 328-351, where the last few are in carved relief with enameling. This is an extremely rare example which combines the standard form of non-relief enameling on the two main panels, with carved relief on the narrow sides. Compare the flat enameled designs with the basket of flowers in the J & J Collection, no. 200, and no. 201 for an unusual katydid design in the group.

Insects represent fertility and, therefore, ample progeny. The peonies represent wealth, while the begonia represents the Autumn season. Chi dragons, because of their elongated bodies, represent not only the ancient culture, but longevity.