- 5059
A RARE BURLWOOD SNUFF BOTTLE QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH CENTURY |
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 HKD
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Description
- overall h. 7 cm, 2 3/4 in.
skilfully hollowed from a naturally formed gnarled section of burl, the vessel carved with a flat rim and resting on a short oval footring, the surface covered with knots of varying sizes and echoed on the stopper similarly carved from the same piece of burl, the bottle and stopper well patinated to a rich russet tone
Provenance
Ko Collection, acquired in Ji'nan, Shangdong, 1928.
Christie's London, 9th October 1974, lot 166.
Spink & Son Ltd, London, 1979.
The Mary and George Bloch Collection.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 24th November 2014, lot 90.
Christie's London, 9th October 1974, lot 166.
Spink & Son Ltd, London, 1979.
The Mary and George Bloch Collection.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 24th November 2014, lot 90.
Literature
Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection, vol. 7, Hong Kong, 2009, no. 1475.
Bamboo & Wood Carvings of China and the East, Spink & Son Ltd, London, 1979, cat. no. 225.
Bamboo & Wood Carvings of China and the East, Spink & Son Ltd, London, 1979, cat. no. 225.
Condition
Very minor abrasions to the inner lip, and a nibble to the outer lip which is probably natural but may be a nick which is so well worn over the years that it looks part of the gnarled surface. Neither obtrusive. General surface wear. Otherwise in overall 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."
"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
This spectacular burlwood bottle is almost entirely natural, with only the base and foot carved. The outer shape of the burl is valued for its irregular, gnarled appearance and dictates both form and decoration to some extent. This treatment of the material is frequently found in Qing dynasty organic works of art China, but rare in snuff bottles.