A PUDDINGSTONE 'BASKET-WEAVE' SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

Christie’s London, 7th June 1993, lot 202.
White Wings Collection.
Robert Kleiner, London, 1998.

Robert Kleiner, Chinese Snuff Bottles: The White Wings Collection, Hong Kong, 1997, cat. no. 137.

Except for a miniscule chip at the base just above the foot, the overall condition is very good.
"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."

As far as we know, no other example of a basket-weave design puddingstone is known. Presumably because the natural markings in the stone were so evocative that in most cases no further decoration was felt necessary to augment the material and the form. The pebble-inclusions also play no obvious role in the symbolism of a basket, nor in the appearance of such woven protective coating for oil and other liquid containers, which were vulnerable to damage if unprotected. The relatively wide mouth in a normal sized neck might also indicate a possible date from the earlier phase of production, during the first half of the eighteenth century, but this design certainly remained popular into the early nineteenth century, and possibly beyond. The title is that given to it by Robert Kleiner in his book.