An Amber 'Peach' Snuff Bottle Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

the well-hollowed light-bodied bottle of globular form, naturalistically carved in the form of a peach and decorated in varying levels of relief with a ripe peach on luxuriant leafy branches, a bat depicted soaring by, the material of a rich reddish-brown colour

There is a minuscule nibble to the inner mouth, but otherwise 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. 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."

This superb amber snuff bottle epitomises the apex of quality produced at the palace workshops in the 18th century. For a smaller example carved with five bats, see Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, Vol, 7, Hong Kong, 2009, no. 1590. For a jade snuff box and cover in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, similar carved in the form of a peach with a bat depicted flying next to luxuriant peach branches, see Lifting the Spirit and Body: The Art and Culture of Snuff Bottles, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2012, pg. 230, no. IV-007.