Lot 11
![[COLLECTION OF PROF. J. GILBERT & CORA MCALLISTER] TWO CHINESE CARVED STONE SNUFF BOTTLES AND A WATER DROPPER](https://media.app.artisio.co/media/104cbde6-0d38-43cb-9e0f-bb721ef57bcf/inventory/f0752ba9-75a7-406f-bb61-7ecb1fb07489/9de561fe-7108-47d0-b4b1-75f6353c7f8c/0001_gsZvmb_original.jpeg)
[COLLECTION OF PROF. J. GILBERT & CORA MCALLISTER] TWO CHINESE CARVED STONE SNUFF BOTTLES AND A WATER DROPPER
19TH-20TH CENTURY
Auction: 10 September 2025 from 10:00 BST
Description
十九至二十世紀 石雕人物型及花卉紋鼻菸壺 及 瑞獸水滴（共三件）
comprising: a figure form snuff bottle, with a black stopper, 7cm high without stopper; a ‘floral’ snuff bottle, original stopper, 6.4cm high with stopper; and a mythical beast form water dropper, 5.9 cm wide (3)
Dimensions
largest: 7cm high
Provenance
Collection of Prof. J. Gilbert & Cora McAllister, thence by descent. With collector's handwritten note and Collector's Number 191 and 181 (see images).
Dr. J. Gilbert McAllister (1904–1993) was Emeritus Professor in Anthropology at the University of Texas. Primarily a cultural anthropologist, he also carried out significant archaeological research. Cora McAllister (1904-1995) graduated from the University of Texas in 1924 as a Member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 1933–1934, she and Gilbert lived amongst Kiowa-Apache Indians in Oklahoma, where Gilbert conducted field research. In 1935, Gilbert was lured back to the University of Texas, where, by 1935, he became Chairman of the department and head of a large archaeological program. There, Gilbert (or Dr. Mac as he was affectionately known by his students) made his name as an archaeological administrator and especially as a remarkable teacher for over 33 years until his retirement in 1968. In a Memorial Resolution Committee Memorandum, it is noted that he had a “massive integrity about him” and “we talk about role models these days. He was one of the good ones.”
Cora and Gilbert’s large and eclectic collection was informed by a deep love for Asian cultures and antiquities, coupled with a scholarly approach. Their collection spanned vast time periods, materials, and included cultures of China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and more. The collection was mostly acquired in the 1960s and 1970s, variously from Cora and Gilbert’s friends and fellow academics who made trips to Asia (some of whom were commissioned specifically by Gilbert), their usual dealers and contacts, as well as from fellow collectors.
For more information about Dr and Ms McAllister, please visit: https://shaybo-therisingtide.blogspot.com/2014/08/j-gilbert-mcallister-memorial.html?m=1
Footnote
Please note this lot will be offered with no reserve. 本拍品不設底價