A RARE AND FINELY CARVED YELLOW-GREEN AND RUSSET JADE SNUFF BOTTLE

very well hollowed, of rounded square form tapering to a cylindrical neck, the mouth slightly concave, resting atop a well carved oval foot, the thick dark russet skin intricately carved with a continuous scene of Shoulao walking toward a pavilion, followed by a monkey holding a peach, enshrouded by dramatic mist hovering over a pine and paulownia tree, the uncarved area of an even yellow-green color with a russet inclusion on the neck

Collection of Alice B. McReynolds.
Sotheby's Los Angeles, 31st October 1984, lot 151.
The Blanche B. Exstein Collection.
Christie's New York, 21st March 2002, lot 258.

Chinese Snuff Bottles, Taipei Gallery, New York, October 1993.

In overall very good condition with a small area of the exterior mouth rim probably polished.
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.

This bottle is one of the masterpieces from a school of carving once known, based upon a misunderstanding of the term, as the 'Han school'.  More recently, the school has been more appropriately called the 'Master of the Rocks' School, for its superb and distinctive carving of mountainous landscapes. Although the style differs, the School, at its best, is every bit the equal of the better known and more popular Suzhou School in terms of technical quality, artistry and in the impressive use of the natural markings in the material.

Compare an inscribed bottle of similar color and shape, sold in these rooms, 22nd March 2000, lot 871, and at Christie's Hong Kong, 25th April 2004, lot 871 as part of The J & J Collection.