The Dr. Thomas A. Klein Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles
Ben Farina SVP, International Representative, Asian Art
As eminent snuff bottle dealer and collector Clare Chu has written, “Tom Klein’s life was shaped by two enduring passions: medicine and the collecting of snuff bottles…His passion for collecting was thoughtful rather than acquisitive, grounded in appreciation rather than display. These were his companions—objects he handled, studied, and loved for over 40 years.”
Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Estate of Dr. Thomas Klein
Sep 17 | 9:30 AM EDT
Lot 24 | An Unusual Chinese Hexagonal Puddingstone Snuff Bottle, Qing Dynasty, Circa 1750-1860
1750–1860年 抱子石磨棱六方鼻煙壺Circa 1750-1860
This year, Freeman’s has been privileged with bringing Dr. Klein’s collection of Chinese snuff bottles to auction. On September 17th, some of the finest examples, held back until now, will become available for the next generation of collectors. These bottles come from some of the most important collections assembled in the last quarter of the 20th century, such as the Bloch, Grimberg, J & J. and Bob C. Stevens Collections, and in many cases were handled and published by important dealers in the field such as Hugh Moss, Robert Kleiner, Robert Hall, Clare Chu and Susan Page.
Lot 40 | An Imperial Chinese Turquoise Glass Faceted Snuff Bottle, Qing Dynasty, Circa 1720-1740
1720-1740年 御製松石綠料八方磨棱鼻煙壺
Collections often reveal the personal interests of those creating them, Dr. Klein’s is no exception. He was particularly known as a strong competitor for puddingstone bottles and his interest in mineralogical examples is further evidenced by the various jasper, agate, jade and jadeite bottles in his collection. Glass, particularly monochromes, overlay and carved examples were also a focus, as were “organics” such as amber, coral, and even carved bamboo and coconut. Porcelain bottles, both molded and enameled, round out his collection.
Lot 61 | A Chinese Six-Color Overlay Glass Snuff Bottle, Qing Dynasty, Circa 1800-1850
1800-1850年 涅白地套六色料花卉紋鼻煙壺
Dr. Klein enjoyed a distinguished medical career. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Rochester, he served as an obstetrician-gynecologist in the U.S. Army in senior leadership roles. He spent thirty years at Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia, retiring in 2023 as Vice Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, having trained more than five hundred residents and countless medical students. His legacy will continue through the Thomas A. Klein, MD Professorship in Quality and Safety in Women’s Health.