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Important Chinese Incised & Filled Gourd Snuff Bottle "Ruan Guang Yu" 阮光宇 c.1959
About the Item
A masterfully carved hulu gourd snuff bottle by the esteemed artist Ruan Guang Yu (阮光宇, 1903-1960), a seminal figure in the realm of gourd carving. Originating as a folk painter from Hebei Province, Ruan moved to Lanzhou in 1938, where he began to explore and refine the art of gourd carving. He seamlessly integrated his extensive background in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving into this traditional folk art, elevating its status and complexity.
Ruan's carved gourds are renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and diverse thematic range. His portfolio spans a wide array of subjects, including poetry, calligraphy, Northern and Southern style landscapes, and characters from iconic Chinese literary works such as "The West Chamber," "Dream of the Red Chamber," and "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio." By the 1950s, gourd carving had become a flourishing art form in Lanzhou, leading to the establishment of the Lanzhou Special Arts and Crafts Society in 1954, with government backing, to focus exclusively on gourd carving.
The significance of Ruan's contributions to the art form is further underscored by the inclusion of his work in the permanent collection of the China Art Museum.
This bottle, in a globular form, features a meticulously incised and filled mountainous "shanshui" scene on one side, capturing the essence of traditional Chinese landscape art.
The reverse side is equally captivating, adorned with poetic verses that are signed Ruan Guang Yu and dated 1959, at the height of Ruan's artistic powers. This adds a layer of personal touch and historical context to the piece, linking it directly to a specific period in the artist's illustrious career.
The bottle is presented on a finely carved bone stand with scroll ends, adding an extra layer of elegance and sophistication. Completing the ensemble is a carved leaves stopper with an integrated spoon, a functional yet aesthetically pleasing detail.
This hulu gourd snuff bottle is a confluence of art, history, and craftsmanship, making it an invaluable addition to any discerning collection. The presence of Ruan's work in national level museum in China, further elevates this bottle's significance and collectible value.
Artist: Ruan Guang Yu (阮光宇, 1903-1960)
Circa: 1959
- Dimensions:Height: 3.55 in (9 cm)Diameter: 1.97 in (5 cm)
- Style:Qing (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1959
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good vintage condition, see detailed photos.
- Seller Location:Richmond, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9161236326852
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