清十八 / 十九世紀 綠柱石鼻煙壺

There are barely perceptible nibbles to the outer lip, two tiny chips to the footrim as well as natural icy flaws. The snuff bottle is otherwise in overall 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."

Semi-precious stones were extensively carved at court during the Qing dynasty, into jewellery and snuff bottles and included a range of aquamarine, sapphire, ruby and beryl. A number of imperial bottles are known of a similar range of beryl, which, along with its blue variety, aquamarine, was mined in Altishar (the Tarim Basin oasis cities of the western part of what eventually became Xinjiang province), which was brought under Qing military control in 1759. Thereafter, large quantities of stone suddenly became available as tribute to the court. This unusually small, plain example would fit comfortably into this production.

This is an unusually small and wide-mouthed example of a range of early semi-precious stone bottles represented by several examples in the Bloch Collection. Among them, Sale 2, lot 51, is of similar material.