A Brown Glass Snuff Bottle Qing Dynasty, 18th Century Wanyaxuan Seal Mark

Arthur Gadsby.
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2nd May 1991, lot 39.

Moss et al., 1996-2009, vol. 5, no. 752.

Barely percetible nibbles to the outer lip and a tiny chip to the outer foot rim. Numerous surface abbrasions and small scratches to the surface from use. There is one vertical crack, centrally on one side, 23mm.
"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 brown colour is unique among the Wanya xuan group, a ruby-red example of which was in Sale 3 as lot 100. On the other hand, this is the standard form for Wanya xuan bottles, with faceted narrow sides and the mark inscribed low on one of them. The mark has not been filled with pigment of any kind this time, suggesting that the gold filling so often seen in these marks (such as on Sale 3, lot 100) may be a later addition.

The outer surface is seemingly free of crizzling while the inside is extensively crizzled. This is an anomaly commonly encountered with snuff bottles. In fact, however, the crizzling on the exterior of this bottle is simply invisible to the naked eye; magnification will reveal it.