An Inside-Painted Glass 'Cockerel' Snuff Bottle Zhou Leyuan, Dated 1891

of compressed rectangular form, intricately painted with a cockerel amidst rockwork, the reverse with a boy on a water buffalo, inscribed in kaishu 'Written in the city in the meiyue (prunus month, the 4th) of the xinmao year' with red seal of the artist

There is a miniscule chip to the outer lip of the mouth.There is general surface wear to the exterior. There is minor smudging and loose paint on the reverse 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. 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."

For another Zhou Leyuan inside-painted snuff bottle dated 1891 with almost identical painting of a cockerel amidst rockwork on the front, but with a bird and prunus on the reverse, see the example illustrated by Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, Vol. 4, Hong Kong, 2000, no. 492, and sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 25th May 2011, lot 22.