Lot 10. An inside-painted glass snuff bottle. Signed Zhou Leyuan, cyclically dated renchen year corresponding to 1892; 6.3cm (2 1/2in) high. Estimate HK$ 100,000 - 150,000 (€14,000 - 21,000). Sold for HK$ 150,000 (€ 17,919). Photo: Bonhams.

Of compressed rectangular form with high shoulders above an oval foot, intricately painted with a continuous landscape scene of insects by a gnarled tree and rockwork, one side with a series of dated kaishu inscriptions followed by the signature and a painted seal mark of the artist, with stopper (2). 

Property from the Hans Goldstein Collection of Chinese Art.

Provenance:According to the family, acquired by Hans Goldstein probably between 1948-1981 and thence by descent

Note: Zhou Leyuan (active circa 1879-1893) born in Shangyin, Zhejiang Province, is arguably one of the most important inside-painted artists. Zhou founded his school of painting style in Beijing, and strongly influenced other artists including Ma Shaoxuan, Ding Erzhong and Ye Zhongsan. 

Compare an inside-painted snuff bottle by Zhou Leyuan, but featuring a landscape scene with a crane, also datedrenchen year corresponding to 1892, sold in these rooms, The Paul Braga Collection of Snuff Bottles, 24 November 2012, lot 11.

BONHAMS. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY