A WHITE 'BASKET-WEAVE' JADE SNUFF BOTTLE
Imperial, attributed to the Palace Workshops，1750-1800
Of even white tone, of flattened, rectangular form with a cylindrical neck and a neatly carved oval footrim, very well-hollowed, continuously carved with a 'basket-weave' pattern tapering towards the foot and at the shoulders; stopper.
2 3/4in (6.9cm) high
Footnotes:
1750-1800 白玉刻竹簍紋鼻煙壺一件
御製 或為宮廷作坊製

Provenance:
Edmund F. Dwyer
Christies London, October 12, 1987, Fine Chinese Snuff Bottles, The Dwyer Collection, lot 224
Joan and Ted Dorf Collection, no. 105

Exhibited:
The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, MD., September 30 – December 9, 2018

The basket-weave design is a popular one on snuff bottles. Its inspiration seems to come from woven baskets which were used as functional containers for a variety of purposes throughout history. Containers with harder or more brittle surfaces, such as pottery, were protected by the woven cloth which also provided some insulation, especially when travelling.

Excellent condition. This is a beautiful bottle carved from flawless white jade.