Snuff Bottle with Eight Foreign Figures Bearing Tribute
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Xianfeng reign mark and period (1851–1861)
This cylindrical porcelain snuff bottle was produced in China during the Qing dynasty, specifically bearing a Xianfeng reign mark and dating to the Xianfeng period (1851–1861). The vessel features a gently rounded shoulder, a short narrow neck, and an elongated body, topped by a dark stopper with a light green cabochon.
The decoration is executed in underglaze cobalt blue combined with overglaze polychrome enamels against a white porcelain ground. The continuous scene around the exterior illustrates eight foreign figures bearing tribute set within an outdoor landscape with rocky formations, trees, and clouds. The figures are dressed in robes in shades of green, orange, pink, and blue, accompanied by a stylized mythical creature resembling a lion. A delicate scroll or floral band encircles the neck in blue.
The vessel measures 8.2 cm in height and 3.4 cm in diameter (3 1/4 by 1 5/16 inches). It entered the museum as part of the Mr. and Mrs. Theodore A. Shaw, Jr. Collection.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze enamels
- Dimensions
- 8.2 × 3.4 cm (3 1/4 × 1 5/16 in.); Diam.: 3.4 cm (1 5/16 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- China
- Place recorded
- China
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Snuff Bottle with Eight Foreign Figures Bearing Tribute
- Museum object number
- 1961.1293
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.