QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
HEIGHT (INCLUDING STAND): 12CM;
HEIGHT OF VASE: 8.2CM
The agate vase takes the form of a flattened tree trunk section, covered in high relief with foliage and branches of prunus blossoms and pine curling around the vessel. The material is of an overall translucent honey tone with layers of a milky opaque white in the front while the back shows traces of dark speckling. The artisan has cleverly worked the stone’s natural inclusions into the design. The front is carved in high relief with flowering prunus branches highlighted in white while the back details in low relief a pine branch issuing from the side and a bat hidden on the upper right corner. Three additional lingzhi fingi issue from the lower branch.
The vase is complete with its original imperial green-stained ivory stand of openwork scrolling foliage attached to a zitan base with two bands of silver inlay.
清中期瑪瑙靈芝松椿蝙蝠花插（象牙原座）
