Snuff bottle
Description
Snuff bottle depicting a wedding parade on the obverse and a pond of fish on the reverse.
Zhong Kui, the demon-queller, had promised his friend the hand of his sister. Riding on a donkey, Zhong Kui is accompanying his sister to her wedding. They are served by two demons, one shading his master with a canopy, and the other pushing the sister on a rickshaw. Five bats, representing the “five happiness,” hover above. The pond of fish is an auspicious design symbolizing a rich household. The inscription gives the date 1908.
Ye Zhongsan was the most prolific artist who specialized in inside-painted snuff bottles. He was active during the 1890s and early 1900s. While capable of high-quality work, Ye also produced a standard set of designs for commercial purposes. Later on, he was joined by his three sons, who also used his name.
Collection
Chinese Art
Artist
Ye Zhongsan
Object Type
Bottle
Material
Glass, Ink and colours
Schools/Culture/Period
Qing dynasty
Technique
Glass painting
Date
19th Century CE
Location
China
Dimension
H: 5.5 cms.