- 53
A MINIATURE BANDED AGATE SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY
Estimate
22,000 - 30,000 HKD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- agate
Provenance
Collection of Joseph Baruch Silver.
Clare Lawrence.
Robert Kleiner, London, 1992.
Clare Lawrence.
Robert Kleiner, London, 1992.
Literature
Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 2, Hong Kong, 1998, no. 223.
Condition
The outer lip has some minor nibbling, but the bottle is otheriwse in overall very 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This is a relatively simple variation on the pear shape. The body tapers into a straight-sided neck, and there is no foot. The form’s appeal lies in its elegant and gently curved profile. With any bottle, when considering formal qualities, it is worth turning it in the hand to look at it from every possible angle, including top and bottom. With a plain form of this type, this is usually a rewarding exercise; where it is not, it will usually indicate a formal shortcoming. If one suddenly comes across one view that is not completely satisfying, it may indicate that sculpturally the work of art is short of being formally faultless.
In common with so many of the plain stone bottles once owned by Joey Silver, this is a faultlessly understated masterpiece. The banding is set horizontally and the material is translucent almost to the point of transparency. The symbolism of advancement through the official ranks is explained under lot 42 in this sale. The material is also delightfully banded above and below the strong white line, and the hollowing and detailing are excellent.