清十八 / 十九世紀 鲍文玉光素鼻煙壺

Moss et al., 1996-2009, vol. 3, no. 386.

Tiny surface scratch across the lip. 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."

Although not extensively hollowed, the unusual elongated shape of this bowenite snuff bottle, with its cylindrical neck and recessed circular foot, is of perfect formal integrity and impeccably finished.

The material is an unusual one for the serpentine range, of which bowenite is one variety, and may, like Sale 2, lot 6, owe part of its colour to artificial staining. Serpentine stains relatively easily, and because of its frequent resemblance to nephrite, it was probably dealt with in the same manner and within the same aesthetic, where black or rich russet-brown pebble skin was valued—and often contrived. Close examination reveals a fascinating surface texture of interlocking platelets, not entirely dissimilar to Sale 2, lot 6, with reddish veins running through the grey- and beige-streaked black stone. Because of its softness, serpentine, even in its harder range, takes a delightful surface patina, smoothing well with age but also absorbing oils from the hand, which darkens the surface over the years.

China probably had fairly extensive deposits of serpentine, and it was certainly found in large quantities in the Xinjiang region. Another indigenous source was apparently in Hunan province, although there may have been others. It could also have been among imported stones, since its occurrence is fairly widespread and most countries have their own celebrated deposits of serpentine with a wide variety of different names.