清十八 / 十九世紀 白玉臥兔鼻煙壺

Robert Kleiner，倫敦，2000年

There are some occasional minor nicks and bruises to the extremities, including a stained bruise of approx. 0.3 cm to the right ear. The inlays for the eyes were later added. The actual colour is slightly more tinged with celadon than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The range of animal-form snuff bottles is a well-known, probably imperial group from the mid-Qing period. Rabbits appear among the various animals depicted, although they appear, as a rule, not to have been a major part of the earlier, core group with their very thin hollowing and distinctive style. They are often larger, more glossily polished, and not so finely detailed, and dateable to the second half of the Qing dynasty. This one, however, is closer in style to the earlier, core group. The inlaid eyes are an unusual feature, but at least one dog from the earlier group was intended to have inlaid eyes originally, and that was also obviously the original intention here.