A pair of red-overlay white glass jars and covers. Qing Dynasty, 19th century

Each ovoid body well-carved with squirrels amongst fruiting vine, beneath a border of pointed drapery folds around the rim and a double band of lappets on the lower body and foot, the covers each with meandering vine, and the knop carved with a squirrel encircling grapes (4) - heights 9 1/2 and 9 3/8 in., 24.2 and 23.8 cm - Estimate : 20,000—30,000 USD

PROVENANCE : A. & J. Speelman Ltd., London (until March 1998).
Thereafter with the present owner.

NOTE : A jar and cover of this shape, carved with peonies and rockwork, is illustrated in A Chorus of Colors, Chinese Glass from Three American Collections, San Francisco, 1995, p. 120, no. 95. A single baluster vase carved with the same subject as the present examples was sold at Christie's New York, 28th March 1996, lot 94.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art including Chinese and Japanese Art from The Collection of Frieda and Milton Rosenthal. 16 Sep 08. www.sotheby's.com