A White Jade ‘Turtle Dragon’ Snuff Bottle Qing Dynasty, 18th / 19th Century

Alice B. McReynolds.
Sotheby’s New York, 16th April 1985, lot 159.

Moss et al., 1996-2009, vol. 1, no. 51.

There is an approximately 0.1cm chip to the inner lip of the mouth, otherwise 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."

This bixi bottle is probably from the workshop that produced such animal-form bottles as the pig and bear in this collection (Sale 1, lot 19 and Sale 2, lot 112). The choice of material, superb hollowing, and remarkable detail link the three bottles (and others), but the most telling feature is the treatment on so many of these animals of the rather thin legs, which are combined with disproportionately large feet. They are also linked by the fact that the mouths of the bottles are carved straight through the mouth details of the beast rather than adjusting the mouth of the beast to take a stopper, as is the case, for instance, in the fish bottles (Sale 6, lot 101 and Sale 7, lot 56). The very even, rather matt polish also links the best of the group.

Apart from the unusually flawless and white colour of the nephrite here, the carving is one of the finest of all the known bixi. The detailing and finish are exquisite, as they are on all the best of these beasts, but the slightly larger size and the whiteness of the jade set it apart.