Expert’s note: Although unsigned, this exquisite portrait is undeniably the work of Ma Shaoxuan, evident in every detail of its style, technique, and extraordinary sensitivity.

China, Beijing, late Qing dynasty, circa 1900-1915. Ink and watercolors on glass. The bottle with a slightly concave lip and oval foot ring, painted on one side with an ink portrait of Wang Wenshao wearing an official’s hat and robe, a corner of his chair peeking out on his left.

Provenance: From an old snuff bottle collection on the French Riviera and thence by descent. An old collector’s number ‘160’ to the base.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear, a shallow chip and some nibbling to the lip, light surface scratches. The interior with old snuff residue, tiny scratches and wear as visible on the images.

Stopper: Pink glass on a wood ring, carved spoon
Weight: 36.5 g
Dimensions: Height including stopper 70 mm. Diameter neck 16 mm and mouth 6 mm.

With a padded storage box. (2)

Ma Shaoxuan (1867-1939) was one of the most technically accomplished artists of the Beijing school of painting, which was first started by Zhou Leyuan and included other leading artists such as Ding Erzhong, Ye Zhongsan and Ziyizi. Ma's famous monochromatic portrait bottles of leading Qing officials and personalities were highly sought after among the influential minority of his day and continue to be among the most coveted of all inside-painted bottles. Executed only in black ink, with the use of vermilion solely for seals, each portrait is a technically impeccable, photographic likeness of the sitter. Ma's extraordinary renown led to his being commissioned in 1911 to paint two portraits of the young Xuantong Emperor.

Wang Wenshao (1832-1908) was a prominent Qing Dynasty official and military administrator known for his advocacy of modernization and Westernization. Rising through the ranks after excelling in Imperial examinations, he held significant roles, including Governor of Hunan, Viceroy of Yun-Gui, and Viceroy of Zhili. Wang supported the Self-Strengthening Movement, advancing military and educational reforms, and played a key role in developing China's infrastructure, such as the Beijing–Hankou railway. During the Boxer Rebellion, he opposed actions that would provoke foreign powers and helped ensure the safety of the imperial family. His legacy includes his contributions to China's modernization during a challenging period of internal and external crises.

Literature comparison:
Compare a near identical inside-painted glass snuff bottle depicting Wang Wenshao by Ma Shaoxuan, 7.1 cm tall, dated to the late Qing dynasty, in the Hong Kong Museum of Art, item number C2023.0381, illustrated in The Art of Gifting, The Fuyun Xuan Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles, p. 4, no. 5.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 28 November 2011, lot 19
Price: HKD 437,500 or approx. EUR 78,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An inside-painted glass 'Zhang Zhidong' snuff bottle, Ma Shaoxuan, Ox Street district, Beijing, dated 1909
Expert remark: Compare the related form, style and quality of painting, and subject. Note the size (6.7 cm).