China. Extremely well hollowed and superbly carved in the form of a bud just about to blossom, borne on an openworked gnarled stem, the layered petals forming the sides. The translucent stone of a pale celadon almost white color with few icy white inclusions as well as patches and veins, which have been cleverly incorporated into the design to highlight a leaf growing to one side.

Provenance: Gurie Gallery, Montreal, prior to 1970. Collection of Christopher and Genevieve McConnell, acquired from the above. Gurie Gallery, established by the esteemed Gurevich family, traces its origins to Harbin in northeastern China during the first half of the 20th century. Relocating to Canada in the 1950s, the family transplanted its passion for art and design to Montreal, where Gurie Gallery blossomed into a venerable institution within the art and design community. Distinguished as one of the pioneering galleries for Chinese art in Canada, Gurie Gallery garnered acclaim for its dedicated focus on Chinese ceramics, decorative arts, and paintings. Its resonance extended beyond Montreal, capturing the attention of collectors in prominent art hubs such as Toronto and New York. In the 1960s, Alex Gurevich (1929-1990), the son of the founders, assumed leadership of the gallery. Under his stewardship, Gurie Gallery thrived, maintaining its commitment to excellence. Alex diligently sourced exceptional objects, making frequent visits to Hong Kong to curate a collection that reflected the gallery's unwavering dedication to artistic quality and cultural significance. Christopher McConell, a Montreal born engineer and his wife Genevieve, a French doctor of osteopathy and research artist, are both avid collectors of African, Indian, and Chinese art.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. The stone with natural fissures, some of which have developed into thin hairline cracks.

Stopper: Blue enameled metal stopper and metal spoon
Weight: 87.9 g
Dimensions: Height including stopper 77 mm. Diameter mouth 6 mm.

The magnolia, with the tree's ability to produce large, fragrant flowers despite its relatively modest size is seen as a metaphor for strength and purity in Chinese culture. Its flowers have been highly regarded since at least the Tang dynasty when it was planted on the grounds of the Emperor's palace. The tree was also known for its healing powers in traditional Chinese medicine, with the bark being used as a sleep aid. Today, it stands as the official city flower of Shanghai.

The subject of the magnolia bud is unusual among naturalistic snuff bottles. The white magnolia, called yulan ('jade orchid') or baiyulan ('white jade orchid'), is a symbol of purity. It is often used as a pictorial pun to represent the word for jade, yu. Hence, the motif and pure white jade of the present bottle are beautifully matched.

Literature comparison:
For a related ‘magnolia’ snuff bottle, see Hugh Moss, Victor Graham, and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 1, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 61.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 26 May 2013, lot 165
Price: HKD 300,000 or approx. EUR 45,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A white jade ‘magnolia’ snuff bottle, Qing dynasty, 18th / early 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, subject, and color of the jade.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 24 November 2014, lot 1090
Price: HKD 118,750 or approx. EUR 17,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A white and russet jade snuff bottle, Qing dynasty, 18th / 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related form, leafy decorations, and utilization of the russet areas.