Famille-Rose Porcelain Snuff Bottle with Heroic Figural Scene and Inscription

Object/Artifact

-

The Curio Cabinet Collection

Name/Title

Famille-Rose Porcelain Snuff Bottle with Heroic Figural Scene and Inscription

Entry/Object ID

SB3706

Description

Chinese porcelain snuff bottle of slender flattened pear form with elongated neck and spreading foot, decorated in polychrome overglaze enamels with a continuous narrative scene of heroic or martial figures in a stylized landscape. Figures include a bearded dignitary accompanied by a muscular standard-bearer, an attendant holding an axe-like implement, and a kneeling or moving figure carrying a tray. The reverse bears a black-enamel calligraphic inscription with two iron-red seals, apparently praising a hero whose fame or reputation endures through generations; exact transcription remains under research. Recessed foot bears a four-character iron-red reign-style mark, tentatively read as Qianlong nian zhi (乾隆年製), considered apocryphal pending further study. Probably 19th century. Stopper absent.

Category

Chinese snuff bottle

Made/Created

Artist

Maker presently unidentified

Time Period

20th Century

Ethnography

Cultural Region

Continent

Asia

Culture/Tribe

Chinese

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Reverse bears a multi-column black-enamel inscription accompanied by two iron-red seals. Recessed foot bears a four-character iron-red reign-style mark, probably Qianlong nian zhi (乾隆年製), “Made during the Qianlong reign. The inscription appears to contain recognizable components consistent with: 千古英雄 … 名傳 … 百世 … 流芳 The general sense is approximately: “A hero for the ages, whose name is transmitted through generations and whose fame/enduring virtue lives on.” The phrase 流芳百世 (liú fāng bǎi shì) is a well-established Chinese expression conveying the idea of leaving a good or illustrious reputation that endures for generations.

Dimensions

Height

2-5/8 in

Diameter

1-3/8 in

Weight

32 g

Materials

Material

Porcelain

Material Notes

With polychrome overglaze enamels and iron-red marks

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Purchase