Page 131 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art Nov 2013 Hong Kong

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An embellished amber ‘butterflies’ snuff bottle
The bottle 1730-1850, the later embellishments by Tomizo Saratani
Raised on an oval recessed foot, the flattened rectangular body with
high shoulders ending in a cylindrical rim, featuring a continuous
naturalistic scene of a willow tree issuing from rockworks, further
decorated by lush growths of blossoming peonies with barbed leaves,
a butterfly in flight ready to feast on the fresh nectar, the fine details
picked out in inlaid embellishments including mother-of-pearl.
6.8cm high.
HK$60,000 - 80,000
US$7,700 - 10,000

清 1730-1850 蜜蠟嵌螺鈿百寶柳樹花蝶紋鼻煙

The fine embellishments are believed to have been done by the Japanese
master Tomizo Saratani. Tomizo Saratani was born in Kyoto in 1949 and
is a master restorer and netsuke artist. Such exquisite embellishments
compares favorably with the highest quality achieved by the Tsuda family
in Kyoto. A comparable example was sold in these rooms, 26 May 2013,
lot 149.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art | 129