Bottle - Stone (mineral stone) - China - 20th century

This complex, detailed sculpture represents a typical Oriental hardstone artwork, natural stone, composed of two pieces: a central body and a lid. The work rises vertically from a black onyx base shaped to support the carved stone. The main structure evokes a dense naturalistic interweaving characterized by several elements:
The composition is rich in broad, lush leaves with incised veining, entwined tendrils, and formations resembling elongated fruits or pods hanging from the branches.
At the top, a bird with wings spread soars, captured in a dynamic pose as if landing or ready to take flight. Other small animals or birds seem to hide or climb among the dense foliage below.
In the center of the sculpture, the silhouette of a traditional vase is glimpsed, almost entirely enveloped and integrated into the surrounding vegetation.
The material displays a rich gradient of greens, ranging from pale, matte sage and olive tones on the peripheral and upper areas to very deep, dark, glossy forest greens in the central part of the vase body. The work employs an openwork style, creating fascinating play of voids and solids that give lightness and depth to the entire composition.
In traditional Chinese and Asian art, the combination of birds, fruits, and plants is not merely decorative but carries a deep symbolic language (often based on wordplay and homophones) linked to concepts of good fortune, prosperity, and harmony.
The fruits rich in seeds or the pods (like peas or climbing beans) symbolize a wise wish for many descendants. In particular, the pods symbolize the birth of many children and the continuity of the dynastic line (generation after generation).
If the round fruits recall the shapes of peaches or pomegranates, the direct reference is longevity (the peach is the fruit of immortality for Taoists) and a long, healthy life.
The climbing plants that grow upward indicate steady growth, both spiritual and material or in one’s career (social ascent).
Dimensions: height 25.5 cm, 15 x 8 cm; weight 927 g.
The black onyx base weighs 285 g and measures 1.5 x 13.5 x 6.5 cm.
The condition (see the photos which are an integral part of the description) shows the central body of the bottle intact, while the lid has suffered breakages and consequently restorations.
Total weight: 1212 g.
Shipping insured with professional packing.