AN ENAMELLED PORCELAIN ‘EIGHTEEN LUOHAN’ SNUFF BOTTLE SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF DAOGUANG

with a flat lip and recessed convex foot surrounded by a convex footrim, painted with a continuous design of the Eighteen luohan in black, iron-red and gold enamels, each with his identifying attribute or animal, the dragon of one emerging from clouds above his head as he holds his alms bowl aloft, with very economical indications of a ground plane on the two small sides, the foot inscribed with the four-character reign mark in iron-red enamel; the glass stopper with a mother-of-pearl finial and vinyl collar

Robert Hall, London, 1978.
Collection of Gerd Lester, 1986.

Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 6, Hong Kong, 2007, no. 1310.

There is some abrasions to the inner lip and very minor scratches to the enamels, but otherwise the snuff bottle is in very good condition. The finial shown in the catalogue illustration has now been replaced by a mother-of-pearl one.
"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 form of the present bottle, with a compressed globular body and a recessed convex foot, is rare for porcelain bottles of the Daoguang period. The limited palette of iron-red, black and gold is also rare and notable for the prominent use of the black enamel.