AN ENAMELLED PORCELAIN SNUFF BOTTLE

of flattened ovoid form, with a cylindrical neck and recessed oval footrim, painted in famille-rose enamels on one side with a large cricket, and on the other with a cricket perched on an open cage, the base with four character Daoguang nianzhi seal mark in iron-red

Robert Kleiner.

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.

Ownership of crickets was widespread in China in the 18th and 19th century at all levels of society. The insects were prized for their fighting abilities and were kept in small containers or cages which were also miniature works of art in their own right. They appear frequently as subjects on snuff bottles and very similar examples can be found in The Crane Collection, www.thecranecollection.com, no. 153, and also in the Monimar Collection, for which see Clare Lawrence, Miniature Masterpieces from the Middle Kingdom, London, 1996, p. 193, no. 90.