Message #40941

[rpfstoneman]

All,

I picked up this bottle at a recent online auction with two other bottles.  I’m try to determine if it is a design of 31 magpies, 31 sparrows, or some other type of bird.  I think it is a sparrow.  Then the next question is there any significance with the number 31?   

Also, I think the dating is a bit later than what was provided with the bottle; see below. 

Underglaze Cobalt Blue Porcelain Snuff Bottle:   
Of cylindrical form, well hollowed with a short waisted cylindrical neck, wide mouth, flat lip and recessed circular foot. Well painted hard-paste body in underglaze blue with a continuous design of thirty 'sparrow' birds; i.e., six columns of five birds each. The base shows a single 'sparrow' sitting near what appears to be a nest. The stopper is carved glass in the form of a dragon with a green glass collar.  Height:  8 cm or 3 1/4" without stopper.

Condition: Excellent.

Circa: Qing Dynasty, Jingdezhen, 1790-1830.

Thanks for all comments and any insight, Charll