A GILT COPPER, AGATE AND GLASS OVAL BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, CIRCA 1770

the gilt-copper borders chased with Rococo floral scrolls inset with panels of striated agate backed in grey and brown mottled pigment, the hinged cover similarly decorated and set in the centre with ten rock crystals arranged in a circle around a single larger rock crystal, the edge and sides of the cover further accentuated with a row of ruby-coloured glass studs, the base chased with a double-headed eagle for the Holy Roman Empire within a lobed medallion surrounded by foliate C-shaped scrolls

The box shows several circa 0.2 cracks to the edges of the panels and the base with general surface scratches. Some of the agate and glass panels on the lower portion of the box are cracked or slightly detached from the gilt-metal borders around the edges. Several of the crystals on the cover are loose (can be turned) but will not fall off.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. 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 any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."

A pair of similarly decorated caskets dated to c. 1770 is illustrated in David S. Howard, Tale of Three Cities: Canton, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Three Centuries of Sino-British Trade in the Decorative Arts, London, 1997, p. 226, pl. 307.