清十八 / 十九世紀 瑪瑙巧作「早生貴子」鼻煙壺

naturalistically carved of irregular form with varying levels of high relief with four peanuts set on a jujube, the natural contrasting colour of the stone intricately utilised to convey the organic material

minor surface scratches on the exterior and at 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."

本品鼻煙壺，西方藏家舊稱「花生瑪瑙瓶」（peanut agate bottles）。可見一相類作例，藏北京故宮，錄《故宮博物院文物珍品大系：鼻煙壺》，香港，2002年，頁165，編號255。另見一例，載Hugh Moss、Victor Graham 及曾嘉寶，《A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection》，卷2，香港，1998年，編號330。