- 177
A WHITE JADE 'DOUBLE-GOURD' SNUFF BOTTLE
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- nephrite
well hollowed, of double-gourd form with a slightly flared neck, carved in the round with a network of small double-gourds and leaves suspended from vines, the stone of an even white color, the base incised ji xiang ('auspicious')
Provenance
Marjorie Hessell-Tiltman, acquired in Tianjin in 1936 (by repute).
Robert Kleiner.
Robert Kleiner.
Condition
In overall excellent 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
There is no doubt about the auspicious nature of the present bottle. In addition to the two-character inscription, translated as 'auspicious', the motif of the double-gourd with tendrils forms the rebus 'may you have numerous descendants'.
Two gourd-form snuff bottles, also of white jade and carved with small double-gourds, are illustrated by Chang Lin-sheng, Snuff Bottles in the Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1991, pp. 156-157, fig. 138, 139.