A WHITE JADE 'DOUBLE-GOURD' SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

Robert Kleiner, London, 1996.

The snuff bottle is in very good condition with just a barely perceptible chip to the outer lip.
"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."

There is a series of this type of bottle, all probably produced at the same workshop, and often of exaggeratedly thin form, as here. For a discussion on the group, see Sale 5, lot 153. They, in turn, link to a group of highly refined bottles carved in similarly low relief and style with qin (zithers) held against the body of the bottle by a simulated wrapped brocade.

It is possible that the entire group represents popular designs at the palace workshop from the eighteenth and possibly into the early nineteenth centuries.

The double gourd form is unusual for the group, and the hollowing a tour de force, since access to the lower bulb is somewhat restricted.