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Covered spittoon
Covered spittoon

Covered spittoon

Place of OriginChina
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911), Reign of the Qianlong emperor (1736-1795)
MaterialsCloisone enamel on bronze
DimensionsH. 3 3/4 in x Diam. 6 in, H. 9.5 cm x Diam. 15.2 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P289.a-.b
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsMetal Arts
On View
Not on view
More Information

清朝乾隆 掐絲琺瑯 紅蝠渣斗

HIDDEN MEANING: May your blessings be as vast as the sky (hongfu qitian 洪福齊天)!

This imperial spittoon is decorated with eight red bats, four on the cover and four on the base. "Bat" is a pun for "blessings," and "red" (hong 紅) a pun for "vast" (hong 洪). The bats alternate with stylized lotuses with long tendrils and meanders; length is associated with longevity.