AN AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE

very well hollowed, of flattened square form with rounded shoulders below a cylindrical neck, the mouth slightly concave, supported on an oval foot with an inset base, carved to one face in raised relief using the ochre inclusion to reveal a Manchu banner-man astride a galloping horse, holding a billowing flag with the character ling, below an eight-character inscription, the reverse later carved, in low relief with a bird with outstretched wings landing on the branch of a pine tree, the stone of gray-beige color

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th April 1993, lot 444.

There is a glued chip on the horse's foreleg, approximately 3/8 inch long, caused by a natural weakness in the inclusion. In otherwise good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The ling ('order') character on the flag raised by the banner-man is a reference to a clan name. A similarly carved bottle featuring the clan name, but without the inscription, is illustrated by Rachelle R. Holden, Rivers and Mountains Far From the World: The Rachelle R. Holden Collection, A Personal Commentary, New York, 1994, pp. 340-341, pl. 341.

The inscription can be translated as:

'Win a swift success at the very beginning of the battle,
Gain an immediate victory upon the arrival of the troops.'