A RUSSET JADE ‘MYTHICAL BEAST’ SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, MID-18TH / MID-19TH CENTURY

of pebble material, carved in the form of a crouching mythical beast with two horns, hooves, and pointed upper fangs protruding over the lower lip; with a green jade stopper

Hugh Moss (HK) Ltd., 1985.

Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 1, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 50.

The snuff bottle is in very good condition. The actual colour of the stone is more russet brown, less red compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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 hollowing of the present pebble bottle, while perfectly functional, does not go deeply into the beast. There is a solid area, 1.1 cm deep, in the rump. This may indicate that it is a later Qing bottle, made at a time when function was giving way to outer form.