Moulded porcelain snuffbox decorated with a scene from the legend of the "White Snake", China, 1780-1850 Polychrome-glazed molded white porcelain depicts Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing, two young women known as the "Snake Sisters", shown on a boat. Bai, armed with swords, attempts to rescue her lover Xu Xian, imprisoned in the Jingshan temple by the vengeful monk Fahai. She uses her special power to flood the temple and surrounding area, but fails to save Xu in the process. Four-character Qianlong mark in zhuanshu in iron red at the base. Green jadeite stopper. Height: 5.9 cm Provenance : Me Jutheau sale, July 2, 1984, lot 28 (illustrated).