A GOLD, SILVER AND IVORY-EMBELLISHED 'DOUBLE-GOURD' SNUFF BOTTLE MARUKI COMPANY, JAPAN, MEIJI PERIOD, LATE 19TH / EARLY 20TH CENTURY

a natural double-gourd with an ivory neck, with a convex lip above an engraved design of pendant leaves suggesting sepals, the body decorated with gold flowers and petals and silver stamens; the foot inset with an ivory cartouche inscribed in relief clerical script, Nihonkoku Maruki sei (Made by the Maruki [Company] in Japan); the coral stopper in the form of a stalk

Robert Kleiner, London, 1996.

Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 7, Hong Kong, 2009, no. 1702.

There are some small scratches and minor dents from use on the surface, not obtrusive. There are two age cracks in the lip. Otherwise the snuff bottle is in good condition. The stopper shown on the catalogue illustration has now been replaced.
"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 Maruki Company was responsible for high-quality works of art, apparently commissioned by them from various individual artists. Sometimes their name would accompany that of the artist, but sometimes, as is the case with the present bottle, only the company name appears.