A Moss Agate Snuff Bottle Qing Dynasty, 18th / 19th Century

Robert Hall, London, 1992.

Moss et al., 1996-2009, vol. 2, no. 220.

It is in 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."

This is one of the standard snuff-bottle forms, and analysis offers some intriguing insights into the formal qualities of the art-form. Essentially it is still a compressed sphere but, as with Sale 1, lot 41, an adjustment has been made to the sphere to allow for the visual impact of the neck and foot. A perfect circle superimposed upon the actual shape of the bottle shows how subtle this variation is, stretching the diagonal measurements by only 4.2 mm to give slightly more emphasis to shoulder and base areas. The visual impact of this, however, is far greater, giving the impression of a more rectangular shape with well-rounded edges. It is only a question of degrees of variation through this transition from the circle formed by a compressed sphere to the popular rounded rectangular form of Sale 2, lot 42, for example.

Few dendritic chalcedony bottles are as striking as this one, and the variegated pattern of dark green markings allows a multitude of possible representational interpretations. Flying fenghuang, chi dragons, fish among weeds, and landscape are only a few of them. For those who have trouble warming up their imagination for this delightful part of the snuff-bottle aesthetic, try reading the blank spaces between the green as the positive element rather than just as left-over space. Large figures or mountainous landscapes suddenly appear, and the game of art is in full swing once again.