Lot 2. A small painted enamel 'European subject' snuff bottle, Qianlong four-character mark in blue emanel and of the period (1736-1795). Overall 2 ½ in. (6.2 cm.) high including gilt-metal stopper. Estimate £15,000 – £20,000 ($22,710 - $30,280). Price realised GBP 17,500. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Each side of the bottle is delicately painted with a cartouche within a floral border, enclosing a pastoral scene with two European ladies engaged in conversation under a tall tree. 

Provenance: Bonham's London, 10 July 2006, lot 334.

Note: The current snuff bottle reflects the fascination of the Qianlong Emperor with Western subjects, which appear on both porcelain and metal enamelled wares produced during his reign. This Occidentalism mirrors the Orientalism seen in the fascination of the European courts with Chinese subjects. As is often the case, the European figures on this snuff bottle are depicted with reddish-brown hair, an aspect of Western appearance which intrigued many Chinese citizens at the time.

Christie's. APPRECIATING ELEGANCE: ART FROM THE SUI YUAN ZHAI COLLECTION, 11 May 2015, London, King Street