Rare couteau en jade, émaux et métal doré incrusté Chine, Dynastie Qing, XVIIIE-XIXE siècle

la lame en métal fixée à un manche en jade céladon pâle, le fourreau habillé de bois à l'intérieur, à décor d'émaux peints d'emblèmes auspicieux à l'or sur fond bleu, monture en cuivre doré repoussé incrusté ; petits manques aux émaux (2)

The blade shows some light rusty area towards the tip. Otherwise in good condition. The stained green ivory ring around the hilt has split in one place. A red-coloured stone inlay is missing. The enamel shows extensive areas of loss down to the copper body.
"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."

Knives, were made in a variety of precious and lesser materials. Compare an elaborately decorated knives from the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in Gugong zhenbao, Beijing, 1995, pl. 157; see also two knives, one with a carved horn scabbard, the second jade-handled knife with a carved bamboo scabbard, sold Sotheby's Hong Kong, 19th November 1984, lots 63 and 64. A much larger Imperial sword sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 5th October 2011, lot 196, is fitted a scabbard decorated in the same technique of basse-taille enamel and gold sheet.