- 647
AN AQUAMARINE ‘CHILONG’ SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY
Estimate
120,000 - 150,000 HKD
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Description
- Aquamarine
intricately carved on each of the narrow sides with a chilong clambering up to the shoulder
Provenance
Collection of John Fell Ruckman (1901-1965), Pennsylvania.
Collection of Charles V. Swain, thence by descent.
Collection of Charles V. Swain, thence by descent.
Condition
The snuff bottle is in overall good condition with just insignificant surface wear. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are natural flaws to the stone.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
As a precious material used sparingly at the imperial court, only a small number of Imperial aquamarine snuff bottles are preserved. For a discussion of aquamarine bottles, see Moss, Graham, Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles, The Mary and George Bloch Collection, Vol. 3, Stones Other than Jade and Quartz, Hong Kong, 1998, pp. 108-21, nos. 408-12. The supply of aquamarine to the imperial court increased after the 1759 conquest of Xinjiang, when large quantities were sent as tributes to the Court, with the best stones reserved for imperial use. Plain uncarved aquamarine snuff bottles are more frequently found, such as one from the Paul Braga collection, sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 24th November 2012, lot 10, but it is extremely rare to find an example of this form, carved with a chilong on each side, a design more frequently found on early Qing glass snuff bottles.