Ader
144
-
Snuff box in the shape of a hornbill’s beak, decorated with …
See original version (French)
144
-
Snuff box in the shape of a hornbill’s beak, decorated with …
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,200 - €1,500
Voluntary lot
Description
Snuff box in the shape of a hornbill’s beak, decorated with goats and geese, China, late 19th – early 20th century
Flattened ovoid in shape, with a carved design on one side depicting a group of three goats near a tree beneath a red sun emerging from the clouds, and on the other side, three geese with their keeper in front of a walkway and bamboo. The fur, feathers and sun’s rays are incised and highlighted in black. Each shoulder is carved from the naturally red part of the horn into the form of a fierce Buddhist lion’s head and a ruyi-shaped ring. The sun and the three protrusions on the geese’s beaks are embellished with inlays of small pieces of red hornbill beak. The base is oval. Stopper in green jadeite.
Height: 5 cm; gross weight: 21 g
Provenance:
- Robert Kleiner, London 1997.
- Phillip Allen Collection.
This design combines the traditional ‘Sanyang Kaitai’ rebus of the three goats—a symbol of prosperity and renewal—with the three wild geese, symbolising loyalty and harmony.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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