TABATIERE EN JADE VERT OLIVE ET ROUILLE CHINE, "MASTER OF THE ROCKS", 1740-1850

sculptée sur une face des deux jumeaux He He assis, une fumée s'échappant d'un brûle parfum; le bouchon en cornaline

Galerie Bertrand de Lavergne

A tiny natural flaw in the stone to the outer mouth rim, otherwise in good condtion. The actual colour is less orange, the brown a fraction darker than on the illustration in the catalogue.
"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 "Master of the Rocks" School has been widely described by Moss, Graham, Tsang in A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles, The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 1, Jade, no. 134-143 characterised by the use of the brown skin of a pebble jade for the carving.
The present bottle is carved in deep, high relief in a three dimensional effect which may be compared to Suzhou bottles.
For other Master of the Rocks examples, see A Congregation of Snuff Bottles Connoisseurs, An Exhibition of Chinese Snuff Bottles, The Tsui Museum of Art, Hong Kong 1996, no.172, 173 and 174 ; see also the bottle from the Blanche B. Exstein collection, sold at Christie's New York, 21 March 2002, lot 258 and the very important one from the J & J collection sold at Christie's New York, 25 April 2004, lot 871.