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EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY WITH PHOTOS, I CAN’T TELL IF THEY ARE POSTED OR NOT.  If you were unable to see the photos and are interested, message me and I will try to send them that way until it resolves. Thank you!
More from the snuff bottle collection.
For your consideration is a beautifully paired estate lot of two (2) authentic antique Chinese porcelain snuff bottles from my grandmother’s extensive, cherished personal collection. Both pieces feature beautifully detailed, hand-painted overglaze Famille Rose enamel scenes depicting classical narrative figures, making them an excellent pair for a traditional curio or mantel display.
Purchased during the peak of 20th-century antiquities collecting, these bottles have been kept together and display rich historical character. Both custom dark wood display stands are included with this lot.
Please review all photos and ask any questions prior to purchase!
Provenance Note:
This pair comes directly from my grandmother’s cherished personal collection of Asian art and antiquities. While she kept an extensive archive of original gallery sales invoices from her travels, many of the historical receipts feature broad, non-specific line items (such as "antique porcelain bottle") rather than explicit physical descriptions. For that reason, I will not be matching or including a specific paper sales receipt with this listing, but the bottles carry unmistakable visual hallmarks of her lifelong curation.
Bottle 1: The Courtly Scholar & Garden Pavilion
• Form: Flat-sided spade section with iron-red flower sprigs along the narrow side panels.
• Design: Detailed Famille Rose enamels depicting traditional robed figures in a courtyard garden near a patterned fence.
• Stopper & Spoon: A green hardstone dome top fitted with a highly unique, completely hand-carved vintage wooden cork and a hand-whittled wooden applicator spoon—likely crafted by a historical owner to replace a broken original.
• Unique Feature: One narrow side retains the fascinating, heavily aged remnants of an old paper collection or historical inventory label.
• Stand: Custom fitted rectangular dark wood display base.
Bottle 2: The Lady Playing the Guqin Zither
• Form: Tall cylindrical container form accented with underglaze blue bands on the neck and foot rim.
• Design: Poetic depiction of a lady scholar seated at a table playing a guqin (zither) under a weeping willow tree, beside an incised incense burner. The reverse side features two figures in vibrant magenta and emerald traditional robes.
• Stopper: Beautiful domed carnelian agate or amber-toned hardstone top. (Note: The natural cork backing has worn down with age, and the interior spoon is no longer present).
• Unique Feature: The back of the porcelain body retains the distinct, rich amber-colored remnants of an old wax collection seal or gallery import stamp.
• Stand: Custom carved circular dark wood presentation base.
Collector's Disclaimer & Maintenance Note:
Please note that these bottles were previously secured on display using a small amount of non-destructive museum/earthquake wax on their bases. While the wax has been gently cleaned off, minor negligible traces or a light waxy residue may still be present on the undersides of the vessels or stands. This is easily removable if desired and does not affect the antique value or condition of the porcelain.
Lot Details & Condition:
• Material: Enameled porcelain bodies with unglazed, naturally aged clay foot rings. Both feature smooth, blank unmarked bases.
• Estimated Era: Estimated late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic period (circa late 19th century to early 20th century).
• Condition: Excellent overall antique condition. Both porcelain vessels are completely free of structural cracks, hairline fractures, or modern repairs. Both display wonderful natural age patina, light historic enamel handling wear, and original kiln surface character as shown in close-up photos.Preview Note: I will be listing the remaining pieces slowly over the coming weeks. Please see the final group photo—if any specific bottle catches your eye, feel free to send a message to prioritize its individual listing!Shipping: Ships fully insured via USPS Ground Advantage / Priority Mail in a secure, heavily padded shipping box.
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