AN AMYGDALOIDAL BASALT SNUFF BOTTLE

of flattened rectangular shape, supported on an oval footrim, the gently sloping shoulders rising to a cylindrical neck, the black stone suffused with green splash-like inclusions

The Collection of Mrs. B. Hampton.
Robert Kleiner.

There is a tiny shallow chip on the exterior mouth rim. The bottle is 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.

Amygdaloidal basalt is also referred to as volcanic puddingstone. According to Bob C. Stevens in The Collector's Book of Snuff Bottles, New York and Tokyo, 1980, p. 159, it 'is a conglomerate made of cinders, ash, broken fragments (breccias), and epidote (a green mineral), all intermixed with lava.' A similarly shaped bottle is illustrated in Stevens, op.cit., fig. 658. Another rectangular shaped bottle in The Victoria and Albert Museum Collection, is illustrated in Helen White, Snuff Bottles from China, London, 1992, fig. 2, pp. 120-121.