Page 41 - Carl Barron Snuff Bottle Collection, CHRISTIE's Spet 12 2018

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AN UNUSUAL PUDDINGSTONE SNUFF BOTTLE
1740-1860
The sides of the fattened, tapering body highlight the attractive composition of large
and small russet, brown and dark gray ovoid ‘pebbles’ in the greyish-beige matrix that
are reminiscent of tumbling rocks. The narrow sides are carved with a fat band from
the neck to the fat ovoid base.
2º in. (5.7 cm.) high, glass stopper and metal spoon
$8,000-10,000
PROVENANCE
Hugh Moss (HK) Ltd., Hong Kong, 1996.
Ruth and Carl Barron Collection, Belmont, Massachusetts, no. 2255.
The slender form of the bottle and the refned carving along the narrow sides make
this bottle rare among its type. The elongated and aligned segments give a painterly
impression and suggest movement and mountains. Puddingstone is the general term for
a conglomerate of sedimentary fint pebbles in a matrix of chert - both part of the quartz
family. Bottles carved from this striking material come in a wide variety of colors, textures,
sizes and shapes. The stone’s appearance is not dissimilar to plum pudding, from which
it derives its name. The variation in size of the pebbles sets up an attractive counterpoint
to the beige matrix and the combination of shapes and sizes creates a strong design that
compliments the simple and tactile form.
For a range of bottles in this material, see B. Stevens, The Collector’s Book of Snuf Bottles,
New York, 1976, nos. 609-17.
1740-1860年 礫岩鼻煙壺

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