Snuff Bottles from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection - Part I 壺趣閑心:雪月藏中國鼻煙壺(一)
Online Auction: 28 May–4 June 2021 • 10:00 AM HKT • Hong Kong | 網上拍賣: 2021年5月28日–6月4日 • 上午 10:00 HKT • 香港

Snuff Bottles from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection Part I 28 May–4 June 2021 • 10:00 AM HKT • Hong Kong

S nuff Bottles from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection - Part I (28 May – 4 June 2021) presents a fine collection of snuff bottles, assembled 1970s onwards by the two founders of Arts of Asia. Tuyet was an early member of The International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society and was elected as an honorary member. At the first convention she attended in 1973, she was impressed with the group’s desire to educate people regarding the history of snuff bottles. From then on, she had been a stalwart supporter of the society and welcomed fellow collectors on their travels when passing through Hong Kong. The sale includes a kaleidoscopic range of snuff bottles of differing materials, and is particularly rich in overlay glass, which she was passionate about. Many of the bottles were included in the exhibition 'Heavenly Creations' at the University Museum and Art Gallery, University of Hong Kong in 2005.


「壺趣閑心:雪月藏中國鼻煙壺(一)」(2021年5月28日至6月4日)由 Tuyet Nguyet(雪月)及 Stephen Markbreiter 伉儷自1970年代起,花多年心血集成。雪月是國際中國鼻煙壺學會的早期成員,並獲選為榮譽會員。1973年, 雪月第一次出席該會的活動,其時對學會推廣鼻煙壺歷史及工藝的投入非常欣賞。自此一直支持該會,並常熱情款待途經香港的鼻煙壺收藏家。 這次拍賣珍品琳瑯,涵蓋各種材質,其中多件均曾展於香港大學美術博物館展覽《天地造化》。雪月本人鍾愛套料鼻煙壺也是這次拍賣的亮點,式樣繁多,精巧怡人。


Glass 套料

This collection is notable for the sheer quality of glass bottles. Glass is the most popular type of material owing to its versatility; it has wide range of colour and can imitate the properties of jade, crystal, stone, and amber. Glass snuff bottles feature overlay glass technique, in which layered glass of different colours are carved in low relief.

本收藏以料胎鼻煙壺最為卓越,玻璃用途多變,所以是最常見的鼻煙壺材料,而且顏色多樣,更可模仿玉石、水晶及琥珀等材料。套料鼻煙壺工序,是首先取地色料,再覆蓋上層色料,然後精工雕刻而成。

Inside Painted 玻璃內畫

These snuff bottles are typically made of crystal or glass, and the interior surface of the bottle served as the canvas for the minuscule painting. Painting from the inside of the snuff bottle would require the highest level of skill, as the artists would apply the decoration using a narrow brush of one or two bristles. These works are a technical wonder.

這類壺主要為水晶或玻璃製,內側畫細繪紋飾,畫師以一纖細畫筆繪劃,巧奪天工,極為可觀。

— Jades and Hardstones — 翡翠玉石

For hundreds of years, jade and jadeite have been symbols of supreme status and extreme wealth. Their enigmatic glow has inspired mythologies and a cultural reverence that stretches back centuries. No collection would be complete without a representative selection of jade snuff bottles. Along with fine examples of jadeite snuff bottle highlighted, the collection also boasts bottles in a variety of materials including agate, lapis lazuli, and chalcedony.

數百年以來,美玉翡翠乃屬權威與財富之代表,綻放異彩,是神話傳說的啟發來源,佔有崇高文化地位,歷古彌珍。而玉製鼻煙壺,完整收藏當中不可或缺,除翡翠鼻煙壺之外,本收藏並收羅瑪瑙、青金石和玉髓等各色珍品。

Enamelled Porcelain and Enamels 釉上彩

Enamelled snuff bottles show the broad range of Qing dynasty works of art in miniature. The application of the enamel on porcelain, glass or other materials require technical virtuosity and skilled workmanship. The imperial snuff bottles highlighted below offer a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of different Qing emperors and the high level of skill and artistry during those periods.

施釉上彩的鼻煙壺,極能展現清代藝術品的多樣姿采。在瓷器、玻璃或其他物料上施釉上彩,特別考究工匠的造詣。下列鼻煙壺均屬清宮御製,展示清朝歷代皇帝美學喜好,以及各朝技術與藝術卓越成就。

Stay informed with Sotheby’s top stories, videos, events & news.

Receive the best from Sotheby’s delivered to your inbox.

By subscribing you are agreeing to Sotheby’s Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe from Sotheby’s emails at any time by clicking the “Manage your Subscriptions” link in any of your emails.

Sell with Sotheby's

Sell with Sotheby's

Curious to know if your item is suitable for one of our upcoming sales?

Provide information and share images to request an online estimate now.

Start Selling
arrow Created with Sketch. Back To Top