China, overlay glass snuff bottle, 18th century

Sculpted red overlay glass snuff bottle on a bubbled white background, decorated with pine, prunus and bamboo.

Together, a pine tree (Songshu 松树), a bamboo tree (Zhuzi 竹子), and a plum blossom (梅花 meihua) symbolize and wish for longevity and endurance. This iconic combination is called "Three Friends of Winter" (Suihansanyou 岁寒三友). It is a symbol of friendship.

China, 18th century.

Source: Robert Hall.

8.5 x 5.2 x 2.1 cm