Provenance:

Inherited from the Garry P. Mack collection.

Property from the Collection of David Billings and Beverly Hall Billings, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Creating a collection can be the work of a lifetime and cherishing another's life through his collection is something special indeed. My father's passion for collecting Chinese art infused everything he did. He could weave a snuff bottle story into any aspect of his eclectic world from the kitchen to the chemical lab. Stories still abound about overcrowded and cluttered rooms in the home of this talented and temperamental Renaissance man, but that was years ago and I have shared some of these reflections in other arenas. For now, in ‘the spirit of the chase’ aspect of collecting, I would like to offer an unorthodox haiku to celebrate this occasion.

Can I put new stoppers

On old bottles and

Call them mine?

Or is it time to empty boxes

And pursue the divine?

Beverly Hall Billings

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Three are missing spoons, all with surface soiling and expected abrasions.

Additional photos are updated before the sale via this link (asian.smugmug.com/Sale-2079). Please read the above or contact us to request a complete condition report.
品相细图见链接 (asian.smugmug.com/Sale-2079)，品相报告见上文。图录中未说明品相的拍品并不等没有磨损、瑕疵或其他问题，建议买家于拍前自行检查。落槌无悔，请对您的竞拍行为负责。如有其他问题，请邮件asian@hindmanauctions.com。

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email Asian@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.