Many of the classic features of the mid-Qing Suzhou school are combined here. The two types of distinctive rockwork, one imitating the convoluted, ideally natural root foundations beloved of the scholar, the other a receding rock face consisting of a series of serrated lines, often densely grouped, are examples of the classic features. For a further discussion of this group see Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle, The J & J Collection, pp. 62-68, no. 21-23.

Compare with two related white jade Suzhou bottles carved with scholars in similar attitudes, the russet inclusion also used to highlight the rocky cliffs, both formerly from the collection of Bob Stevens illustrated in The Collector's Book of Snuff Bottles, no. 393 and 396. The first also from the collection of Eric Young, sold in Hong Kong, 28 October 1993, lot 1189; the other now in the J & J Collection, illustrated op. cit., no. 21. (US$30,000-40,000)