62 - A RARE IRON-RED ‘ZODIAC’ PORCELAIN SNUFF BOTTLE JINGDEZHEN, DATED 1868 (OR 1928)

A RARE IRON-RED ‘ZODIAC’ PORCELAIN SNUFF BOTTLE JINGDEZHEN, DATED 1868 (OR 1928) To Be Sold Without Reserve Of compressed ovoid form with a cylindrical neck, painted with a continuous design of medallions containing the twelve animals of the zodiac, the other twelve with auspicious flowers and fruit, including peaches, bamboo, lotus, orchid and prunus; framed top and bottom with single line borders, the neck with a band of formalized lingzhi-heads beneath a double-line border, the foot inscribed in regular script within a double line, oval cartouche with an outer single-line border, Wuchen nian ([Made in the] Wuchen year 戊辰年 Height: 6.8cm Provenance: Quinn’s, Virginia, 2007 Hugh Moss (HK) Ltd, 22nd October 2007, (a copy of the original invoice available) This unique porcelain bottle combines the twelve animals of the Zodiac with a series of auspicious plants, each with its own particular meaning. The precise date is not accompanied by any means of identifying which cycle is intended, leaving open two possible interpretations, 1868 or 1928, either of which is possible, although perhaps the earlier date is the more likely Ω This Lot was imported outside of the UK, under the Temporary Admission scheme. 5% import VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’ price and 20% VAT will be charged on the ‘buyer’s premium’. If proof of export outside of the UK can be provided for this item within 3 months of the sale date, then the VAT can be refunded. Please contact us for further details and shipping advice