Green Overlay Frosted Glass Snuff Bottle With Eight Horses of King Mu

Description

The frosted glass bottle has green glass overlay has a flattened shape ending in a raised foot. The green ring … more The frosted glass bottle has green glass overlay has a flattened shape ending in a raised foot. The green ring around the opening and the oval foot give the bottle certain uniformity that accentuates the eight green horses in various poses. There are four on each side, separated by a continuous cloud pattern on both sides of the bottle. The theme of eight horses is a popular subject matter in Chinese art objects. , It is the story of the eight horses of King Mu of the Zhou Dynasty (BC 1023 - 983. , ) which originates from a historical romance whereby King Mu journeyed to Western Paradise when he met the Queen Mother of the West. A chariot pulled by eight horses named after the color of their hair transported King Mu in his travels. Each horse has special talents: Horse #1 gallops without touching the ground; Horse #2 runs faster than birds: Horse #2 is especially speedy at nigt; Horse #4 runs as fast as the shadow of the sun; Horse #4 is handsomely groomed with a splendid mane: Horse #6 gallops so fast that results in ten images of him; Horse #7 rides on a cloud: and Horse #8 has wings.

The bottle is vintage and appeared not used. The associate cover is a orange brown agate on a black ring. The estimate age is early to mid 20th century. It stands 3 inches tall and 2.25 inches in width less