China. Well hollowed to the interior and finely carved to the sides with magpies perched on the branches of tall old gnarled pine trees amid craggy rockwork and flowers sprouting from the forest floor. The rich blue stone with bright iron pyrite inclusions.

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. 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: Excellent condition with minor wear, microscopic nibbling to mouth, the stone with natural fissures, some of which have developed into small hairline cracks over time.

Stopper: Lapis lazuli (matching)
Weight: 103.7 g
Dimensions: Height including stopper 69 mm. Diameter neck 17.5 mm and mouth 4 mm

When magpies are depicted amongst old pine trees the combined imagery symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of joy (magpies) and enduring strength (old pine tree). It is seen as a representation of good fortune, happiness, and the ability to withstand challenges while maintaining a positive outlook.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 26 May 2014, lot 63
Price: HKD 68,750 or approx. EUR 9,900 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A lapis lazuli 'basket weave' baluster snuff bottle
Expert remark: Compare the closely related material and baluster form, also with a matching stopper and carved to the sides, albeit with a basket weave design and mask handles. Note the size (5.3 cm).