Provenance: Taller example: Christie's New York September 14, 2016, The Ruth and Carl Barron Collection of Fine Chinese Snuff Bottles: Part III, Lot 478. Robert Kleiner, London, 2006 Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, no. 4313 Shorter example: Sotheby's New York, 14 September 2010, The Joe Grimberg Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles, Lot 54. Marian Mayer. Clare Lawrence Ltd. Literature: Patrick K. M. Kwok, 'The Joe Grimberg Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles', Arts of Asia, November-December 1993, p. 96, no. 39. Snuff Bottles: Little Gems of Delight, Singapore, 2004, p. 74, fig. M245.

Two Chinese Reticulated Carved Soapstone Snuff Bottles, 18th/ 19th century 2 x 1-1/2 x 0-1/2 inches (5.1 x 3.8 x 1.3 cm) (larger) Each snuff bottle intricately carved with openwork, relief, and incised decorations, with gilt decoration to the incised patterns. The shoulders carved with beast heads issuing strap handles on the sides. Each with matching stopper. PROVENANCE: Taller example: Christie's, New York, The Ruth and Carl Barron Collection of Fine Chinese Snuff Bottles: Part III, September 14, 2016, Lot 478; Robert Kleiner, London, 2006; Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, no. 4313. Shorter example: Sotheby's, New York, The Joe Grimberg Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles, September 14, 2010, Lot 54; Marian Mayer; Clare Lawrence Ltd. LITERATURE: Patrick K. M. Kwok, 'The Joe Grimberg Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles', Arts of Asia, November-December 1993, p. 96, no. 39. Snuff Bottles: Little Gems of Delight, Singapore, 2004, p. 74, fig. M245. Property from the Kestenband Collection HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Each presents beautifully and both in overall very good condition. Each with some gilt rubbing, consistent with age and handling. Some stone inclusions and possible cracks observed. The smaller example has possible repair to the base. The shorted example has a chip/ loss to the stopper, along with small nicks along the edges of the mouth rim and the base. Along with a small area of loss to the reticulated decoration on the body. Otherwise, no other visible condition issues observed.