A WHITE JADE SNUFF BOTTLE

very well hollowed, of bulbous hu form below a flared neck, resting on a flared circular footrim, the shoulders set with a pair of animal-mask handles suspending mock-rings, the recessed base incised zhen wan ('for precious enjoyment'), the greenish-white stone with faint gray and white inclusions

Universal Art & Antiques.
Hugh Moss (HK) Ltd.

Miniscule chip to the foot, in otherwise excellent 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 shape is inspired by archaic bronze hu vessels from the Han dynasty. The revival of archaism was popular during the mid-Qing period, and was driven by the Palace Workshops. An identical bottle, inscribed with a Qianlong nianzhi seal mark on the base, is illustrated by Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, Hong Kong, 1995, Volume 1, pp. 254-255, no. 104. Another white jade hu bottle, carved with archaistic designs on the exterior, is illustrated by Robert Kleiner, Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect: Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Collection of Denis Low, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 45, pl. 33.