A CARVED BALTIC AMBER ‘AUSPICIOUS FRUITS’ SNUFF BOTTLE

† A CARVED BALTIC AMBER ‘AUSPICIOUS FRUITS’ SNUFF BOTTLE, POSSIBLY IMPERIAL, 18TH CENTURY Expert’s note: There seems to be a strong likelihood that the workshops that produced amber bottles of this high quality and type at least knew the products coming out of the Imperial nephrite workshops in Beijing, if not having some formal relationship with them.

Another interesting feature of this snuff bottle is the different qualities of the amber. Some areas are transparent, with the fine clarity and warm color of classic amber. Other areas are lighter and opaque, characteristic of so-called Baltic amber. The carver made careful use of these natural variations. He integrated them into the design and used them to enhance the naturalistic effect of the carving. Well hollowed, the honey-colored amber finely carved as a group of fruits and foliage, comprising, a pomegranate, lotus leaf, a prunus branch, and a butterfly perched on a gourd.

The combination of gourd, prunus, lotus, and pomegranate together create a layered auspicious message of longevity, harmony, abundant descendants, and prosperity, which is further reinforced by the butterfly, a symbol of happiness and harmony.