.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Puddingstone is the general term for a conglomerate of sedimentary flint pebbles in a matrix of chert - both part of the large quartz family. Bottles carved from this striking material come in a wide variety of colors, textures, sizes and shapes.
With unusually dark pebbles set into a pale beige matrix, the color of this handsome example is particularly striking. The combination of shape and direction of the elongated, uneven inclusions creates a strong diagonal emphasis beautifully arranged over the simple and functional form. A puddingstone bottle of similar form in the collection of Denis Low is illustrated by D. S. K. Low, More Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect, p. 265, no. 244. Another example, but of broader proportions and raised on an oval foot rim, is in The Victoria and Albert Museum and illustrated by H. White, Snuff Bottles from China, p. 97, pl. 41, no. 4.
With unusually dark pebbles set into a pale beige matrix, the color of this handsome example is particularly striking. The combination of shape and direction of the elongated, uneven inclusions creates a strong diagonal emphasis beautifully arranged over the simple and functional form. A puddingstone bottle of similar form in the collection of Denis Low is illustrated by D. S. K. Low, More Treasures from the Sanctum of Enlightened Respect, p. 265, no. 244. Another example, but of broader proportions and raised on an oval foot rim, is in The Victoria and Albert Museum and illustrated by H. White, Snuff Bottles from China, p. 97, pl. 41, no. 4.