1740-1850

Details

**AN UNUSUAL QUARTZ SNUFF BOTTLE
1740-1850
Of compressed ovoid form with a recessed convex foot and unusually wide mouth, the quartz, partially crystalline, but mostly of the cryptocrystalline variety known as agate infused with purple, indigo, grey, reddish-brown, lavender and white markings in a billowing and swirling pattern, jadeite stopper with carnelian collar
2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm.) high

Provenance

Hugh Moss

Literature

Snuff Bottles of the Ch'ing Dynasty, p. 110, no. 192
Moss et. al., The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle, The J & J Collection, vol. 1, no. 112

Exhibited

Hugh M. Moss Ltd., London, September 1974
Hong Kong Museum of Art, October-December 1978
Christie's, New York, 1993
Empress Place Museum, Singapore, 1994
Museum fur Kunsthandwerk, Frankfurt, 1996-1997
Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, 1997
Naples Museum of Art, Florida, 2002
Portland Museum of Art, Oregon, 2002
National Museum of History, Taipei, 2002
International Asian Art Fair, Seventh Regiment Armory, New York, 2003
Poly Art Museum, Beijing, 2003

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

The spectacular natural markings in the stone of this bottle are suggestive of swirling, thunderous clouds at sunset. The bottle exhibits impressive hollowing through the broad mouth, while the taut form exhibits perfect integrity and fits comfortably in the hand. This is one of a series of mid-Qing, wide-mouthed bottles which are always spectacular, and bring a satisfying extra dimension to the formal qualities of the bottle when the stopper is removed.

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