A White Jade ‘Wrapped Qin’ Snuff Bottle Qing Dynasty, 18th / 19th Century

Robert Hall, London, 1986.

Moss et al., 1996-2009, vol. 1, no. 27.

It is in 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."

The sculptural conception here is intriguing. The bottle and the qin are seen as one, the two sides of the instrument being shown on either side of the bottle and the brocade being wrapped around the whole thing. The bottle stands for the instrument and becomes not only a snuff bottle but a wrapped qinas well.

The brocade has been divided into two separate sections, allowing the loosely tied knots to be shown on the surface of each side of the instrument so that the brocade does not obscure it. This also allows for greater symmetry, with the bulge of the brocade spread across each narrow side and the ends of the knots hanging down on either side of the instrument as mirror images of each other. Even the knots themselves are primarily formal and abstract rather than realistic. The whole work of art is understated and does not come to life until in the hand. It is another of the more secret works of art that were meant for intimate, personal enjoyment, likeSale 6, lot 165.

Sculpturally this bottle is a delight. The unusual form, with its intriguingly flattened sphere, tapering slightly toward the base in the narrow profile, is very confident. It has the shape of a balloon flattened between two boards, achieving the apparently conflicting qualities of being both generous in its size and elegantly slim. The straight neck is then ideally suited to this form. If one imagines a flared neck on this shape, it would not be as satisfying. A flared neck would draw attention away from the centre of the bottle, which is the visual focal point.