In the spring of 2023, the "De Xin Shu Wu" snuff bottle collection makes its debut at the Taipei Yu Jen Auction. This collection of over a hundred snuff bottles was meticulously curated in the early 1990s by Mr. Chang Wei-hua, and sourced from reputable auction houses such as Sotheby's and Christie's, as well as the Hong Kong-based specialists in snuff bottles, and the British antique dealer Robert Kleiner. The first auction achieved an outstanding result with all items sold, and now the highly anticipated second auction is set to captivate enthusiasts once again.
From the Qing dynasty, there is the " A RARE SUZHOU AGATE 'MONKEY AND LINGZHI' SNUFF BOTTLE, QING DYNASTY," from the collections of Mme Nel, Xaviere and Jean Pigoreau, Robert Hall, and Robert Kleiner. This bottle has been featured in "Robert Hall: Chinese Snuff Bottles III." The main body is exquisitely carved with two playful monkeys, displaying a vivid scene of simians at play. The craftsmanship demonstrates the ingenuity of Suzhou artisans in using agate's natural hues to create a unique masterpiece.
Next is the " A RARE AND FINE GEM-INLAID JADEITE SNUFF BOTTLE, QING DYNASTY," from a private collection in Canada, and previously auctioned by Christie's in New York in the spring of 1991. The translucent jade is adorned with intricate golden wire inlay, complemented by an array of colorful gemstones. The craftsmanship is intricate, showcasing an opulent and noble demeanor.
Finally, there is the " A BLACK OVERLAY WHITE GLASS 'ROOSTER' SNUFF BOTTLE, QING DYNASTY," featuring white glass as the base and black glass as the overlay, showcasing the typical Yangzhou overlay technique. The rooster is depicted with fullness and vigor, accompanied by willow trees on the sides. On the other side, nine egrets gather together, with the inscription of the four characters "Ji Dai Gong Ming," symbolizing auspiciousness, good fortune, and career advancement.