A fine Chinese reticulated 'pine' rock crystal... Lot 47

A fine Chinese reticulated 'pine' rock crystal vase Qing dynasty, 19th century Finely and deeply carved in reticulation from a clear stone as a baluster vase and cover surrounded by the gnarled branches of a pine tree, with a pair of deer standing at the base and a magpie perched on the branches of the cover, the reverse with flowering morning glory, fitted wood stand. 15cm high. Provenance: from the collection of one of the first diplomats to the People's Republic of China in the early 1950s, and thence by descent. 清十九世紀 水晶雕松鹿紋蓋瓶 來源：1950年代駐中國大使私人收藏，後傳承至現藏家。 An evergreen that keeps its needles throughout the adversity of winter, pine is a symbol of longevity, as well as a symbol of gentlemen, representing virtues of self-discipline and fortitude. It is no coincidence that the God of Longevity, Shoulao, is often depicted in the shade of a pine tree, thus reinforcing the auspicious wish for a long life for the recipient of the artwork. It is also no coincidence that scholar gatherings are often represented in a pine grove, or in woods dotted with various species of pine trees. A symbol of grace and longevity, deer (lu 鹿） is a homophone of lu 祿, or emoluments - the favours granted to government officials - thus becoming a symbol of wealth, nobility and success in imperial examination. They are therefore often represented prowling within pine groves, reinforcing at once the wish for longevity and success.