Ader
126
-
Blue overlay glass snuff bottle on an opaque white backgroun…
See original version (French)
126
-
Blue overlay glass snuff bottle on an opaque white backgroun…
See original version (French)
Estimate €600 - €800
Voluntary lot
Description
Blue overlay glass snuff bottle on an opaque white background with animal motifs, China, 1760–1850
Pear-shaped and resting on an oval foot, the bottle is decorated on one side with an eagle attacking a snake and on the other with a seated bear with its head raised towards a large pine tree. Rocks, clouds and lingzhi mushrooms complete the scenes. Oval foot. Glass stopper imitating coral.
Height: 5.5 cm
This motif is a metaphor for moral strength and power. The eagle, known as yīng – 鹰, shares its pronunciation with the word ‘heroic’, yīng – 英. The bird with outstretched talons thus embodies the virtuous and far-sighted hero. By swooping down upon the snake shé – 蛇, a symbol of danger and malice, the eagle illustrates the triumph of justice over adversity. A snuffbox decorated in this way makes a prestigious gift intended to honour the courage and integrity of a high-ranking dignitary or military leader.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Lot description modified on 10/20/2026 at 9:57 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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