A TURQUOISE MATRIX ‘VASE, DRAGON AND LINGZHI’ SNUFF BOTTLE CHINA, LATE QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY Carved as a lidded vase of archaistic shape, with an almost in the round design of ruyi fungus branches and a chi dragon. The vase has an elongated egg-shaped body. With its matching turquoise stopped with a lingzhi-shaped finial. The inner part is well hollowed. Offered at auction together with a matching parcel reticulated wooden stand. H: 5,7 cm Weight: 39,5 grams Note: The dragon (long - 龙) is believed to live in the mountains or in the seas and can fly into the heavens and symbolizes benevolence, prosperity, longevity and the renewal of life. Lingzhi (灵芝) is the sacred fungus of immortality that grows on the trunks or roots of trees including the pine. A vase can represent the meaning of ‘peace’ or ‘safety’ because both the character for vase (ping - 瓶) and that for peace (pingan - 平安) are pronounced ‘ping’. The peach (tao - 桃) signifies symbolizes marriage, spring, justice and especially Daoist immortality (longevity). 绿松石“花瓶，龙与灵芝”鼻烟壶 中国，晚清，19世纪 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.