A WHITE JADE 'BOY ON GOURD' SNUFF BOTTLE CARVING 18TH CENTURY, CONVERSION TO SNUFF BOTTLE 1850-1911

the jade pebble carved as a laughing boy seated astride a large double-gourd, a ruyi slung over his shoulder, clutching a string of coins with a sprig of lingzhi underfoot, the top of the boy's head drilled to receive a stopper, the stone of even white color

There is a tiny chip to one leaf, otherwise 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.

According to Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: the Mary and George Bloch Collection, Hong Kong, 1995, Jade, Vol. I, p. 124, there was a demand for snuff bottles from foreigners in China from the mid-19th century until the end of the Qing dynasty and into the early Republic.  During that time, many jade carvings were converted into snuff bottles.