Bottle ID: 477

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SMALL CYLINDRICAL

Date: 1730-1800

Height: 46 mm

Nephrite, well hollowed, of small cylindrical rounded form with sloping shoulders and a neatly carved slightly splayed footrim, the calcified stone of a creamy off-white color.

Similar Examples:

Crane Collection nos. 487 and 744
Sotheby's, Hong Kong, October 30, 2000, lot 656, The Guo'an Collection.
Sotheby's, Hong Kong, May 3, 1995, lot 402

Provenance:

Clare Lawrence Ltd.
The Monimar Collection
Robert Kleiner
Sotheby's, Sussex, U.K., June 25, 1991, lot 173

Exhibited:

Annual Convention ICSBS Hong Kong, October 1996
Christie's, St. James's, London, June 1996

Published:

Lawrence, Clare. Miniature Masterpieces from the Middle Kingdom - The Monimar Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles, 1996, pp. 174-175, no. 81.220

The elixir of immortality favored by the Daoists had as its main ingredient finely powdered calcified jade. Hence a plain looking container such as this example seems to imbue the snuff with higher magical powers. In its simple elegance it is the perfect vessel for the scholar, who would understand the significance of the material itself.

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