AN INSIDE-PAINTED GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE BY MENG ZISHOU

of small flattened rectangular form, below rounded shoulders and an oval foot, painted with ink and colors on the inside with a portrait of Tan Xinpei in a Beijing Opera role, the reverse with a landscape scene depicting a long fisherman in a river, below an expansive mountain, beneath an inscription and two red seals

Tan Sri Philip Kuok.

Minor losses of pigment, with no effect on overall aesthetics. Minor nibbles on exterior rim of mouth. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Meng Zishou was active between 1904-1911 and was an artist of the Beijing School. He is well-known for producing life-like portraits, such as the present example. His portraits of Beijing Opera actors are considered some of his best work.

The inscription can be translated as:

'Zi [Seal]
Painted on an autumn day in the year of Xinhai (1911) by Meng Zishou.
Zishou [Seal]'