A WHITE 'BASKET-WEAVE' JADE SNUFF BOTTLE
Probably imperial, 1750-1800
Of white tone, of rounded form with a cylindrical neck and a neatly carved oval footrim, very well-hollowed through a small mouth opening, continuously carved with a 'basket-weave' pattern tapering towards the foot and at the shoulders; stopper.
2 3/8in (6cm) high
Footnotes:
1750-1800 白玉刻竹簍紋鼻煙壺一件
或為御製

Provenance:
Helen D. Ling Estate, September 2, 2007
Joan and Ted Dorf Collection, no. 105

This pattern is sometimes described as a stylized 'rice-grain' pattern, however the term 'basket-weave' is a more apt term for this design which imitates a woven cloth which would have surrounded a pottery jar to keep it from breaking when transporting it.

A very small cluster of pin-prick dark flecks on the lover proper right face of one side; otherwise very even color white throughout and elegant carving. The small aperture is well centered, and the bottle is extremely well-hollowed.