A CHALCEDONY SNUFF BOTTLE

of flattened baluster shape with a waisted neck, supported on a finely carved tapered oval foot, both faces incised with a poetic inscription in regular script, signed Qianlong yuzhi, the shoulders carved with animal-masks suspending mock rings, the stone of a honey-brown color

Albert Pyke Collection, Los Angeles.
The Reif Collection.
Christie's New York, 18th October 1993, lot 164.

The bottle is in excellent condition. The color is less red than the print catalogue illustrations suggest.
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 inscription, which is the same as that on lot 50, can be translated as:

'Born to be a rare treasure that is to be presented to Xi Wangmu at her Shining Lake palace,
Hence its snowy shade and frosty tinge is further enhanced and so the brightness even more distinct.
Its brilliance rivals the Pearl of Suihou which is said to be able to fully illuminate rows of carriages, while
The value matches the jade disk of Heshi, worth building great cities.
A magnificent work fills one's being with divine energy,
Whose auspicious spirit, so penetrating, inspires profound affection.
Truly precious treasures are the works from the ancient Three Dynasties,
Among those the pure and elegant curios [like this] are the most pleasing.'