AN EMERALD-GREEN OVERLAY VARIEGATED PUCE-RED GLASS 'GOLDEN LYCHEE' SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

of transparent emerald-green and semi-translucent variegated red glass, with a flat lip carved as a single overlay in the form of what is probably intended as a jinlizhi (golden lychee) with a severed, leafy branch around its surface; the coral stopper with a vinyl collar

Claar Collection.
Sotheby’s New York, 20th February 1970, lot 175.

Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 5, Hong Kong, 2002, no. 974.

There is a chip to the lower edge of one leaf, which is not obtrusive; otherwise the snuff bottle is in good condition. The actual colours are slightly deeper 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 ground colour on the present bottle is of a dichromatic glass which, when transmitting light, transforms from a variegated puce-red to a distinct ruby-red colour. This type of glass was rarely used in China and appears to be have been confined to a few snuff bottles, offering seldom opportunities to view the ruby-red colour when lit from within.