PROPERTIES FROM A FRENCH COLLECTOR OF JADE CARVINGS AND SNUFFBOTTLES A WHITE JADE ‘LOTUS POND’ SNUFF BOTTLE CHINA, POSSIBLY QING DYNASTY This snuff bottle has been carved out of a single white jade pebble with infused russets. It rests on a short ring foot, has a flattened round body and round shoulder, carved with ‘beast’ handles with loose rings imitation, and surmounted by a short circular neck. Its front part has been carved in low-relief with a naturalist subject, that of a lotus pond, whilst its back part has been left uncarved and is infused with amber-tone veins, a good transcription of the mud of the lotus pond. The inner part is well hollowed. Offered at auction together with a stopper. H (stopper excluded): 5,5 cm Weight: 79,3 grams Provenance: Property from a French collector: a collection of jade and stone carvings and snuff bottles assembled over two decades. Pieces either bought privately or at public auction. Notes: 1. The mud in which the lotus roots grow represents the darkness from which all life begins, as the lotus grows it reaches towards the light, which is a metaphor for the Buddhist pursuit of enlightenment. Chinese poets and scholars often also use the lotus as a symbol of inspiration to continue striving through difficulties. 2. Compare with a related ‘lotus pond’ jade snuff bottle sold at BONHAM’S New York, 2016-09-12, lot 9096, for USD 5,250. 白玉“荷塘”鼻烟壶 中国，可能为清后期 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.