A shadow agate snuff bottle, 1750-1850. Image courtesy Bonhams
The Bruce family collection of fine Chinese snuff bottles and works of art will be on sale at Bonhams auction house on 11 and 12 November. The collection comprises 339 lots: 173 Chinese snuff bottles, 126 jade pieces, and further works of art including ceramics and scholar’s objects. It is the result of two generations of the Bruce family collecting with passion and discernment over more than half a century.
The snuff bottles span an exceptional range of materials and types including those made of jade, hardstone, lacquer and various organic materials plus examples of those with inside painted images. Many represent the finest examples produced in their categories. The jade pieces date from the 14th-19th century, including a striking group of intricately carved, white jade plaques bearing rare motifs with witty and layered meanings.
Yvett Klein will walk members through the collection, highlighting standout pieces while sharing some of the discoveries made by the Asian Art team during their research.
Group of jade carvings and snuff bottles, 15th to 19th century. Image courtesy Bonhams
Yvett Klein is the head of Asian Art in Bonhams Australia. She joined Bonhams in 2011 and works closely with Bonhams international Asian Art department. She has overseen various important single owner collections over the years. Her first event with TAASA more than a decade ago, featured snuff bottles and Yvett now welcomes interested members to refresh these memories together.
Light refreshments will be served.
All bookings and payments online via the TAASA website.