A Miniature Olive-Brown Overlay White Glass ‘Prunus’ Snuff Bottle Qing Dynasty, 18th / 19th Century

Reif Collection.
Christie’s New York, 18th October 1993, lot 187.

Moss et al., 1996-2009, vol. 5, no. 961.

Minute, insignificant chip off the bottom of the prunus flower near to the base. Otherwise 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."

While this appears to be a typical example of a miniature from the first half of the nineteenth century, evidence suggests that the decline in standards during the late eighteenth century was not a simple linear process, with a steady deterioration in quality year by year. That would be far too easy for a subject like Chinese glass. As standards were eroded, accommodating increasingly careless workmanship from the palace lapidaries, lesser works were still accompanied by occasional masterpieces like the glorious Sale 1, lot 8, which can be dated to 1780, give or take a decade. Once the possible private workshops are included in the equation, some no doubt producing work of the highest standards by the late Qianlong era.

This is a remarkably striking little bottle by virtue of its bold colour contrast and confident composition, although there are hints of pattern-book formalism and traces of carving marks on the ground plane are all too evident, as is careless matching of colour to foot rim.