A WHITE JADE SNUFF BOTTLE, SCHOOL OF ZHITANG, SUZHOU QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the slightly flattened globular body skillfully hollowed, well carved in low relief with a continuous landscape scene depicting on one side a scholar holding a staff and a boy with a fly-whisk strolling along a garden path under a large pine tree, the reverse with a boy carrying a rabbit on a terrace courtyard, with a pavillion in the distance amid rockwork and sparse trees, the fine white stone utilising the golden-brown inclusions to enhance the carving

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."

The carving style on the present bottle is relatively restrained and in low relief, but the composition is actually very sophisticated since it is composed of only three figures, separated by trees and some serrated lines suggestive of rocks. 

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Zhiting School is the serrated rocks, which is visible in the present lot.  Zhiting is the name of a Suzhou artist, who signed his name to works at some time during the early-to-mid-eighteenth century.  The school worked in jade, agate, and crystal.  For an in depth discussion on the Zhiting School, see Moss et al. A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles, vol. 2, nos. 366-379.  A similar jade example from the collection is illustrated in ibid. vol. 1, no. 121.  See also a bottle from the collection of Avrina Pugh,sold in our New York rooms 1st April 2005, lot 387; and another sold in these rooms, 8th October 2006, lot 1151.