清乾隆 / 嘉慶 黃地粉彩「福祿」雙聯葫蘆形鼻煙壺

Hugh Moss、Victor Graham 及曾嘉寶，《A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection》，卷6，香港，2007年，編號1171

Some minor wear to the iron-red enamel on three of the bats on the reverse and a tiny area on the green vine.
"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."

What is seen here is obviously a development of gourd designs from earlier in the reign (see Sale 2, lots94 and 121; and Sale 7, lot 3), assuming the rare shape of two gourds joined in such a way that they seem to have grown together, blending into one. The interior of the bottle is stained cinnabar red, probably the result of holding a variety of snuff that is of this colour. Snuff came in a surprising number of colours in Qing China: white, greens, and browns – and, if the interior of this bottle is to be believed, cinnabar red