A GREEN GLASS ‘TURQUOISE IMITATION’ SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, MID-18TH / MID-19TH CENTURY

of translucent turquoise-green glass with scattered air bubbles, some elongated, with a flat lip and a concave foot; the coral stopper with a glass collar

Robert Hall, London, 1989.

Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 5, Hong Kong, 2002, no. 757.

There is a slight bruise to the upper neck and outer lip area, otherwise the snuff bottle is in good overall 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. 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 elongated air bubbles at the neck demonstrate that this bottle was blown, and may well have been blown into a mould. The sharp-edged narrow sides, however, are the result of lapidary work, as is the distinctive foot.

See another, slightly lighter, turquoise-green glass bottle from the Bloch collection, sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 27th May 2012, lot 45.