A 'HAIR-CRYSTAL' SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

well hollowed, with a flat lip and a recessed, slightly concave foot surrounded by a protruding rounded footrim, the crystal with inclusions of tourmaline; the glass stopper with a glass finial and vinyl collar

Christie’s New York, 28th/29th June 1984, lot 631.
Collection of Gerd Lester, 1986.

Chinese Snuff Bottles in the Collection of Mary and George Bloch, The British Museum, London, 1995, cat. no 248.

Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 1997.

Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 2, Hong Kong, 1998, no. 226.

There are two original tiny flaws on one main side close to the narrow side which are the result of flaws in the original material where the carver chose not to compromise the formal qualities of the bottle by going deeper to remove them. Otherwise it is in good condition. The actual colour of the crystal is deeper, more brownish black 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 present bottle is an unusually bright and evenly marked example of a 'hair-crystal' snuff bottle. It represents the perfect formal integrity typical of many mid-Qing crystal bottles, with an unusual, vertically extended form and is well hollowed while leaving a reasonable thickness of wall.