Lot 1966
  • 1966

AN EXQUISITE CANTON ENAMEL EUROPEAN-STYLE SNUFF BOTTLE WITH A WATCH STOPPER QING DYNASTY, JIAQING PERIOD, CIRCA 1810

Estimate
4,000,000 - 6,000,000 HKD
bidding is closed

Description

of slightly flattened ovoid form, each side decorated with a shell-shaped panel formed by a row of graduated pearls enclosing a finely painted floral bouquet, the base bordered by a row of upright green and gold feathery foliage embellished with pearls, the narrow sides delicatelly inlaid with pearls as clusters of grapes borne on a lavender vine with bright green enamelled leaves, all reserved on a ruby-red basse-taille ground carved with vertical rows of florets and chevron, the straight cylindrical neck encircled by a band of gilt leafy scroll on a black enamelled ground, the cover mounted with a watch protected under a domed glass cover surrounded by a row of pearls, the white enamel dial with Roman numerals, outer minute track, opening to reveal gilt brass full plate movement, cylindrical pillars, fuseĆ© and chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm balance with regulation

Provenance

Christie's Hong Kong, 27th November 2007, lot 1671.

Condition

Apart from two missing pearls to the sides of the snuff bottle, the overall condition is excellent. Although the original key has been preserved, the watch can no longer function.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Snuff bottles made for the Chinese market are rare and even rarer are those mounted with European watches as seen on the present highly decorative example.  However, two snuff bottles with European watches, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, are illustrated in Chang Lin-sheng,  Snuff Bottles in the Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1991, p. 88, nos. 23-24. The watches are similarly mounted on top of the stoppers and also decorated with bands of miniature pearls. The publication does not date the bottles, but a third snuff bottle with a watch and a barometer mount, from the collections of Eric Young and Joe Grimberg and attributed to circa 1890, was previously sold in our London rooms, 13th October 1987, lot 122.   

From around 1582, when the first European clocks and watches were brought as tribute items to the court, Chinese emperors were fascinated with Western mechanical clockworks. The demand was such that a workshop dedicated solely to western-style clocks was established in the Palace by the Kangxi emperor. This was the beginning of a native clock making industry that was further developed under Qianlong who was an avid collector of all types of timepieces and automatons. His enthusiasm for both European and Chinese-made clocks and watches saw no limit. Snuff bottles of this type reflect a revival of European taste under the court of Empress Dowager Cixi (r. 1861-1908), and for a discussion of watches and their relationship to snuff bottles see Victor E. Graham, 'Chinese Costume Accessories as Reflected in Snuff Bottles', JICSBS, Winter 1989, pp. 11-12.

The basse-taille decorative technique seen on the present snuff bottle was first developed in Italy during the 13th century. It is an enamelling method that involves the carving or engraving of a design on a metal body. Transparent enamel is then applied that covers the entire piece. With light the design appears most impressive and luxuriously rich in colouration. This technique was adopted and perfected in China by artisans working in Guangzhou during the 18th century. For a detailed discussion of the basse-taille enamelling method see the notes to lot 1968 in this catalogue.