A Ruby-Red Overlay Glass ‘Plantain Leaves’ Snuff Bottle Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

Marian Mayer.
Richard Bourne, Hyannis, Maine, 14th December 1988, lot 198.

Hall, 1989, no. 48.
Moss et al., 1996-2009, vol. 5, no. 877.

Surface scratches across the lip from the stopper. Elongated air bubbles visible in the neck. 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."

Stones and solid blocks of glass were sometimes sent from Beijing to Suzhou for carving; one suspects that glass overlay blanks could have been handled in the same fashion. However, confirmation in the archives that this was the case has yet to be discovered.

That question aside, the rarity and mastery displayed by this bottle are not in question. The unique design is both bold and impressive, with its almost all-encompassing overlay revealing the lower plane only round the shoulders as a stark contrast, offset imaginatively by a single band of pendant plantain leaves ringing the upper neck.