清十八 / 十九世紀 銅胎「螭龍捧壽」圖鼻煙壺

Max Chitters

Hugh Moss、Victor Graham 及曾嘉寶，《A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection》，卷7，香港，2009年，編號1612

The line joining the two halves visible up the sides and into the lip. Some wear from use to the design on both narrow sides.
"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 method of construction here is in no doubt. The design has been achieved by beating sheets of thin copper into the same mould twice, creating the two halves of the main bottle, including the neck. These were then soldered together, and the circular foot was soldered on as a third piece. The method is very obvious, since the design appears on the inside in negative, as always when a thin sheet of copper is beaten into a mould with an integral design. Details of the surface may then be chased with cold steel or iron, but the basic process is the repoussémethod.

Since the bottle is the only one known, it is particularly difficult to date with much confidence, and it may be early; but a more likely date is probably the eighteenth century, and even the mid-Qing period. A piece of copper well used for a few decades could very easily exhibit wear of this nature; it is a soft material and wears easily.