Bidspirit auction | CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE FIGURAL

CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE FIGURAL SNUFF BOTTLE, DEPICTING XIE AN - Qing Dynasty, Ca. AD 1644 - 1912. > A porcelain snuff bottle of rectangular form with gently rounded shoulders, rising to a short cylindrical neck. The body is delicately painted in underglaze cobalt blue on a white ground, depicting the celebrated Eastern Jin dynasty statesman Xie An 谢安 standing in flowing robes. The figure is rendered with quiet dignity, his long garment falling in rhythmic folds, and his hands clasped before him in a composed, introspective pose. His facial features are stylised yet expressive. The shoulder is encircled by a decorative band of pendant dots and geometric motifs, framing the main figure and adding visual balance to the otherwise minimal composition. The base is neatly finished, with a four-character Qianlong mark. Xie An (320–385 CE) was revered not only as a statesman but also as a symbol of calm intellect and refined character under pressure. His image on scholar’s objects reflects the Qing dynasty admiration for historical exemplars of moral integrity and cultured demeanor. > Provenance: Private UK Collection. > > Size: 67mm x 40mm; Weight: 60g > This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. >