Very rare and impressive gem-set devant de corsage, Portuguese, second half of 18th Century

Designed as a bouquet of flowers tied with a ribbon, the flower heads including gardenia, chrysanthemum, orange blossom and pinks realistically rendered in fine porcelain, foil backed topaz and further set with rubies and emeralds, mounted in silver, fitted tooled red Morocco case.

Ruby of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US. This piece may contain ruby of Burmese origin and therefore may not be able to be imported into the US. Certification of non-Burmese origin will be required before import of jadeite or ruby into the US. Please see our Important Notices and contact the jewellery department for further information. Porcelain flowers probably French, similar were made in white and with coloured glazes and then applied to Objet d'Art including urns and other decorative objects. Large ceramic flower head with extensive repairs and traces of glue to reverse. Some petals of pinks broken off. Coloured stones well matched in colour, with nicks and abrasions. Piece could benefit from a careful professional cleaning. Signs of wear to the metal, scratches consistent with use. Very impressive piece. Well preserved and in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."