A translucent, very well-hollowed, plump chalcedony bottle with wide sloping shoulders; an inward sloping lip, generally indicative of 19th century (or earlier) production; all atop a gently curved oval foot ring.
The front of the bottle has been deftly carved in the shape of a lotus leaf complete with veins and “undulating sides” that lend a feeling of movement to the image. Atop the leaf sit two crabs (xie) which the artist has cleverly carved from the ocher skin that once covered part of this stone. The highly detailed crabs (probably E. sinensis, also known as the Chinese mitten crab) are accentuated by the sense of realism the artist was able to impart to the legs and large claws with his carving style. This motif was (likely) intended as an auspicious wish for success in the Civil Examinations so that the recipient would gain an official position with the government and the resulting emolument that comes with it.
The reverse of the bottle has been left empty in order to prioritize the natural qualities of the stone, specifically small, brown, flake-like inclusions present at different depths within the matrix of the stone which gives the impression of falling leaves or snow. This visual image is further reinforced by the presence of a thin brown band across this area of the bottle which fills the role of “the ground” above which the leaves or flakes are falling. A fitting image for this time of year (Autumn).
This bottle is very light in weight due to the extensive hollowing of the interior; has a highly polished exterior which gives the chalcedony a wonderfully smooth, almost slippery texture; a nice addition to any collection and a particularly wonderful gift for a scholar.
