Mid-Century Modern "Nail Art" Skiier on Wooden Base turtle basket but became famous--and more complicated--when

but became famous--and more complicated--when an extraordinary series of boxes with the motif were commissioned in 1760 by or for the Qianlong emperor

The vessel itself is a very thin/light black glass

I got my passion for it from her

which I believe is probably the context in which it was made

I'd love to see it filled with white lilies but think it would also be great as a planter for something green

Mid-Century Modern "Nail Art" Skiier on Wooden Base turtle basket but became famous--and more complicated--whenThere are a fair number of mid century "nail art" tabletop sculptures out there, some abstract, some figurative; and while this little skier is not especially unique, I really like it. At this point, there is a fair amount of rusting to the metal, and some aging to the wooden base as well, which I think contribute to a sense of this as a committed and intrepid athlete! It's great from every angle, too, making me think it might land happiest on a desk,