Vintage Gilt Bronze Snuff Bottle With Bird and Floral Motif

Details

Description

This elegant vintage snuff bottle is crafted from bronze and features a striking, all-over gilded finish. The vessel has a … Read more This elegant vintage snuff bottle is crafted from bronze and features a striking, all-over gilded finish. The vessel has a flattened, teardrop or spade-like shape with a short, cylindrical neck. The entire exterior is deeply cast in relief with intricate designs. The main front and back panels are framed by an oval border and depict a bird perched among blooming plum blossoms and gnarled branches. The sides and neck are decorated with scrolling cloud motifs (ruyi clouds). The surface retains a bright gold tone, with natural patina and darker oxidation settling into the recessed areas, highlighting the relief work. The bottle is topped with a domed, mottled cream-colored stopper set in a dark metal collar. A metal spoon is attached to the stopper. The flat base is also cast with scrolling motifs and features an impressed rectangular maker's mark.

Dimensions:

Width: 3.7 cm (approx. 1.46 inches)

Thickness (Depth): 2.4 cm (approx. 0.94 inches)

Height: 9.9 cm (approx. 3.90 inches)

Weight: 67 grams (approx. 0.15 lbs)

Maker's Mark:
The recessed base features a rectangular cartouche with a cast four-character mark in a stylized seal script. The characters read "乾隆年製" (Qianlong Nian Zhi), which translates to "Made in the Qianlong Period." Note: As is common with vintage decorative pieces, this mark is likely apocryphal and serves as a tribute to the classic imperial style. See less