A MINIATURE JADE PEBBLE-FORM SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

The inner lip has a barely perceptible niblle but the bottle is otherwise in overall very 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."

Although pebble-shaped snuff bottles in nephrite were among the most obvious and popular forms from the outset, miniatures are rare. This is surprising, given the vast number of tiny pebbles that undoubtedly came tumbling down the East and West Rivers of Khotan, from which nephrite was presented as tribute twice a year from 1761 on. Other places were added in 1783; but the tribute was reduced to once a year in 1787 and more drastically reduced in 1799, after the death of the Qianlong emperor.