The Meriem Collection Part II. Lot 289

289
A RED OVERLAY BLUE GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE
1820-1900
Of compressed form with flat lip and convex oval foot surrounded by a footrim, each main side carved through the ruby-red overlay to the bubble-suffused transparent lavenderblue glass with a carp, one with aquatic plants above it, the other with a formalized cloud formation, tourmaline stopper with silver collar
7.3 cm. high
$800-1,000

P R O V E N A N C E :
Potter’s Gallery, Vancouver.

The combination of red overlay on lavender-blue glass is rare. See another of similar shape, but carved with a chi dragon on both main sides, in B. Stevens, The Collector’s Book of Chinese Snuff Bottles, no. 194. The motif of a single large fish, as here, appears to have been very popular (see a red overlay on bubble-suffused colorless glass bottle in H. Moss, Snuff Bottles of China, no. 200). As discussed in the note to lot 284, the carp (dali) stands for the wish for bountiful profit.

The Meriem Collection Part II. Lot 289