Qing Dynasty (18th Century) Rock Crystal Hanging Bottle with Interlocking Chain and Cover

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 41cm (16.14in), maximum width of hanging ornament 4.5cm (1.77in), weight 465g, Qing Dynasty (18th Century)，Condition & Provenance: Overall in very good condition. The natural rock crystal remains highly transparent with a smooth, luminous surface and subtle signs of age from long-term preservation. The interlocking chain structure is complete, and the original cover fits precisely with the vessel. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USA，Description: This exceptional rock crystal hanging bottle measures 41cm in height and features a 4.5cm wide hanging ornament, weighing 465g. The entire piece is carved from natural clear rock crystal, displaying remarkable transparency, purity, and a refined crystalline quality. The upper section features a ruyi-shaped cloud-form suspension ornament with openwork scrolling cloud designs. From the top extend two sets of fully carved interlocking chains, each ring individually carved and linked together, creating a remarkable sense of movement and technical mastery. A crystal lock-shaped pendant hangs at the center, decorated with finely carved details. The lower ends of the chains connect to leaf-form side handles attached to the bottle. The vessel retains its original cover, topped with a lotus-bud finial and precisely fitted rim. The body is oval in shape with a full rounded belly, a narrowed neck, and a flared square foot. The polished surface highlights the exceptional clarity and beauty of the crystal material. The highly complex carving technique, especially the creation of the movable chain links from a single crystal piece, demonstrates extraordinary craftsmanship. Combining hollow carving, openwork carving, and movable-link carving techniques, this piece represents one of the finest examples of Chinese crystal carving for imperial-style decorative display.

图片