Masterfully carved from a stone of consistent, translucent "mutton-fat" quality, maintaining a naturalistic, fruit-like form. The piece is expertly rendered as a ripening melon with an elegantly scrolling stem and lush, broad leaves carved in high relief. The presence of a cicada resting on the vine, a traditional motif that symbolizes rebirth and high social standing. The bottle is crowned with a contrasting pink stopper that mimics the fruit's blossom, highlighting the refined, miniaturized aesthetic of 18th century Qing dynasty scholarly objects.
18th century
H: 8 CM, 3 1/8 IN

Private collection of an important estate, Dallas, Texas.
Lot 22972, 22976, 22979, 22981, 22983, 22989, 22991, 22998, 22999
Lot 23002, 23005, 23008, 23009, 23010, 23011, 23015, 23016, 23017
Lot 23018, 23020, 23021, 23022, 23023, 23024, 23026, 23027, 23028
Lot 23030, 23031, 23033, 23035, 23036, 23037, 23041, 23042, 23043

Good