A RARE COCONUT SNUFF BOTTLE

of flattened oval form, carved as a cicada with its wings tucked and eyes finely articulated, the reverse with two sections of inscription, one featuring four-characters in archaic script carved in relief on a textured ground, adjacent to a two-column inscription lightly incised in official script, gilt-metal stopper set with an orange bead, wood stand

Tan Sri Philip Kuok.

The snuff bottle is in good condition with nice patina. There is a 1 inch fissure inherent in the coconut structure that appears very stable (visible in the catalogue illustration on the upper-left side of the bottle).
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.

The inscriptions can be translated as:

'Easy and unassuming so as to manage the administration'

'The four characters on the right are recorded from a bronze vessel
Ziqiang'