AN IMPERIALLY-INSCRIBED CELADON JADE 'CHRYSANTHEMUM' SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of flattened baluster form, the tapering sides resting on a small recessed oval base, rising to a high shoulder and a short waisted neck, one side inscribed with a seven-column imperial poem in lishu (clerical script) pertaining to chrysanthemum, the reverse incised with a clump of foliate chrysanthemum, the even pale celadon stone finished to a smooth polish, the stopper of jadeite

There are a couple of tiny nicks along the edge by one shoulder and another small nick to the mouthrim, but overall the bottle is in very 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The poem inscribed on the bottle is recorded in the collected poems of the Qianlong Emperor, titled Qu (Chrysanthemum), included in the Qing Gaozong yuzhi shiwen quan ji [Anthology of Imperial Qianlong Poems], Yuzhi shi san ji [Imperial poem, vol. 3], juan 39, p. 6. The poem was written on or before 29th May 1764. It can be translated as follows:

Chrysanthemum
It is only recorded in the books of Zhou that it has yellow blossoms, / But later ages gradually began to boast about its five colours. / Henceforth the curtain-less simple cart became the elaborate imperial carriage, / And, when floating wine cups, patiently it alone braves the frost.