AN INSCRIBED AGATE ‘IMMORTAL AND MONKEYS’ SNUFF BOTTLE SUZHOU, SCHOOL OF ZHITING, QING DYNASTY, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY |

Y.F. Yang, Hong Kong, 2nd June 1971 (HK$13,200).

There is a minuscule nick to the mouth, otherwise 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 inscription reads xiang ning wuse yun, which can be translated as 'auspicious multi-coloured cloud scrolls'. There is a broad range of Suzhou agate bottles, but one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Zhiting School bottles is the serrated style of rocks, which is clearly visible in the present lot.  Zhiting is the name of a Suzhou artist, who signed his name to works at some time during the early - to mid-eighteenth century.   The school worked in jade, agate and crystal.  For an in-depth discussion on the Zhiting school and bottles similar to this present lot, please see Moss, Graham, Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles, vol. 2, nos. 366-379. For a group of related bottles, from the same School see Denis S. K. Low, More Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect, Singapore: 2002, nos. 229 - 234.

See also two Suzhou agate snuff bottle of similar quality sold at auction - one carved with a scholar, sold in our Paris rooms, 18th December 2012, lot 18, and another carved with an Immortal and animals, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 2090.