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Subject:Signed Yan Yutian Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle
Posted By: Kevin Donnelley Mon, Sep 18, 2017 IP: 69.127.28.153

Dear Members

Part of my collection of inside painted bottles, this large example is signed by landscape painter, Yan Yutian, active 1894-1919
on one side, a fisherman sits among a rock outcropping, painted in grey and white tones as typical for the artist. And, an orange and brown planter box. Painted in white with dark outlines is a hand of Buddha fruit to one side, and a pair of tokens to the front.
Late 19th century examples of the artist's work in the grey and white tones with signatures provided in the links below
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19305/lot/359/

http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2015/snuff-bottles-from-mary-george-bloch-collection-part-x-hk0576/lot.97.html

Ht: 3 3/8"; 8.57

Thank you for looking

Kind regards

Kevin







Subject:Re: Signed Yan Yutian Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle
Posted By: Bill H Tue, Sep 19, 2017

Here's what looks to be a comparable bottle by Yan from a Sotheby's sale in New York on 12 October 1993. Its signed side also has a potted prunus and some cash coins that sound like the motif shown in your second photo.

Best Regards,

Bill H.



Subject:Re: Signed Yan Yutian Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle
Posted By: Bokaba Wed, Sep 20, 2017

Bill, the bottle you posted appears to be smaller and earlier, maybe 1890s or so. The smaller bottles seem to be more popular with collectors and bring more money usually. I personally like the larger bottles myself.

Bokaba

Subject:Re: Signed Yan Yutian Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle
Posted By: Kevin Donnelley Thu, Sep 21, 2017

My preference for inside painted bottles sometimes leans towards the larger examples, as well- which gave the artist a more expansive field in a demonstration of talent
But, some of these "table" bottles, perhaps depending on the theme of the work, and not meant to be carried in one's sleeve such as with the smaller ones, may have at one time sat on a desk among other objects in a scholar's studio. And, it is these bottles that I try to collect along with other objects normally associated with the literati class.

Best,

Kevin


Subject:Re: Signed Yan Yutian Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle
Posted By: Kevin Donnelley Wed, Sep 20, 2017

Many thanks Bill for providing the research- I am glad to now be aware of this example.

Best,

Kevin

Subject:Re: Signed Yan Yutian Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle
Posted By: Bokaba Tue, Sep 19, 2017

Yes, authentic Yan Yutian. I like the scholar fishing motif (fishing is a pastime of scholars and gentlemen in traditional Chinese art). Most of the larger bottles are from the early 20th Century rather than the late 19th. The prunus in the planter was one of Yutian's favorite obverse decorations.

Yan Yutian was a Manchu who lived and worked in Beijing during the years you described. Yutian is an old name for Hotan, a silk road oasis in Xinjiang though I am not sure what the connection is.

I have provided photos of my Yutian bottle in blue glass featuring a camel in a winter scene.

Bokaba





Subject:Re: Signed Yan Yutian Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle
Posted By: Kevin Donnelley Wed, Sep 20, 2017


Thank you for the information, very helpful to know.

I have what I believe to be the original stopper, as it matches the one on the example from the Sotheby's sale that Bill found. It just needs a new cork, so I may change stoppers

Really a very attractive example that you have, and I especially like the main side theme.
Blue glass is rare for him I think, I have not found another one of his in that color

Best,

Kevin

Subject:Re: Signed Yan Yutian Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle
Posted By: Bokaba Thu, Sep 21, 2017

Kevin, I don't think that is the original stopper. That stopper is available from a number of Chinese dealers today. Mine is not original either. The original stopper was probably red or green Peking glass with a rubber neck like shown in Bill's picture.

Bokaba


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