A VERY RARE MALACHITE-INLAID BRASS AND COPPER SNUFF BOTTLE

of slightly flattened ovoid form tapering to a flat base, with smoothly rounded shoulders rising to a cylindrical neck and lipped mouth rim, each face inlaid with an oval malachite panel, enclosed by concentric bands of copper and brass, well patinated

The Collection of David Dunkerley.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 29th April 1992, lot 458.

Patrick K. M. Kwok, 'The Joe Grimberg Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles', Arts of Asia, November-December 1993, p. 96, no. 45.
Sotheby's Hong Kong Twenty Years, Hong Kong, 1993, p. 280, fig. 463.

There are tiny nicks and dents in the metal and there is a tiny triangular chip to one of the malachite panels. 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.

This bottle, featuring a combination of metals with malachite, is extremely rare. No other comparable example appears to have been published. This collection is fortunate in its acquisition of a number of unusual bottles made from a combination of materials such as this one, lot 93 and lot 172.