Page 70 - Carl Barron Snuff Bottle Collection, CHRISTIE's Spet 12 2018

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A SILHOUETTE AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE
1780-1880
The translucent bottle is carved on one side through the dark brown skin
with Liu Hai dancing with his string of cash above his three legged toad.
2º in. (5.7 cm.) high, hardstone stopper
$8,000-10,000
PROVENANCE
Robert Hall, London, 2008.
Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, no. 4773.
Liu Hai is the immortal associated with commercial success. He is nearly always
portrayed with his three-legged toad and cash, and conveys a wish for prosperity. The
three-legged toad itself has origins in the magical realm, representing the unattainable.
It was only in later Chinese art that it was associated with Liu Hai.
There are many versions of the story of Liu Hai and his toad companion, but the essential
elements remain that as a reward for his friendship, the toad revealed the secret to eternal
life. Holding the toad also allowed Liu Hai to travel anywhere in the world instantaneously.
1780-1880年 皮影瑪瑙劉海戲蟾圖鼻煙壺

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