A WHITE JADE 'DOUBLE-GOURD' SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY

well hollowed and worked in the form of a hollowed double-gourd, the exterior skilfully decorated with attendant leaves and tendrils issuing from meandering stems, the translucent white stone with light russet patches

Robert Kleiner, London, 2000.
Mary and George Bloch collection.

The overall condition is very good, except for a few occasional barely perceptible nibbles and bruises to the extremities. The stone has some natural russet inclusions and minor pittings.
"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 double-gourd form with leaves and tendrils, and often further gourds, wrapped around the fruit was a standard imperial design popular by the first years of the Qianlong at the latest, and almost certainly even earlier. The style of carving and small size here would allow an early date, but this does not fit neatly into the standard Qianlong range of such wares, either for its size or carving style, so might be either earlier or later.