A MINIATURE MILKY-WHITE GLASS 'FROZEN PETALS' SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

Wing Hing, Hong Kong, 1985. 

Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 5, Hong Kong, 2002, no. 711.

The overall condition is good except for a few barely perceptible nibbles to the outer lip and one to the outer footrim. There are also minute air bubbles, some open to the surface and a few filled with debris.
"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."

Technically, the circular concavities that form integral snuff dishes are impressed into each main side, rather than being carved by the lapidary. This could be very easily done while the glass was still malleable. The interior of this snuff bottle has a convex bulge where the wall of the bottle was pressed in. The interior also has a natural fire-polish, while the exterior detailing and polishing have been executed by the lapidary, as is evident from the large number of bubbles that are cut through at the surface. In some cases these bubbles are filled with a yellowish-brown stain, which at first glance closely resembles the yellow glass inclusions, making them seem more plentiful than they are.

The concave main sides are, of course, a practical feature acting as integral snuff dishes where lumps of snuff can be crushed before being snuffed. The existence of an integral snuff dish does not of itself prove an early date, although it is likely the integral dish preceded the separate one. Once this design feature was part of the repertoire it would remain an option indefinitely, adding, perhaps, a little antique resonance to a form. Although a useful dating guide in some cases, particularly with groups of bottles, it provides scant assistance in this particular case.