A gold and hardstone cane handle, Johann Christian Neuber, Dresden, circa 1775-1780

tapering, the gold sides inlaid with swags of multi-coloured flowers tied with white ribbons between interlaced striped agate and carnelian or chased borders above a matching red gold entrelac band, the top inset with a circular lavastone panel applied with a bouquet of carved hardstone and glass paste flowers, steel-lined, apparently unmarked

Lid bouquet with indentations for bloodstone stems and leaves in 4 places.
"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."

Johann Christian Neuber (1736-1808), Court Jeweller in Dresden, specialised in creating Galantariewaren (useful but precious objects) which combined locally-mined hardstones with delicate work in gold. As Jean-Auguste Lehninger, a visitor to Dresden, wrote in 1782: 'Chez le Sieur NEUBERT, Jouailler de la Cour, on trouve nombre de pierres rare et très belles, toutes sortes d'ouvrages de Jouaillerie et particulièrement un superbe assortiment de tabatières de pierres composées'. Neuber advertised a wide range of objects made from inlaid hardstones including boxes for ladies and gentlemen, cane handles, watch cases, chatelaines, and jewellery such as bracelets and rings. His distinctive style was popular both at court and with the many travellers who flocked to Dresden. Snuff boxes form the major part of Neuber's surviving works as they were less fragile than the smaller items such as this cane handle.

For comprehensive information on Neuber's life and work, see Alexis Kugel, Gold, Jasper and Carnelian: Johannn Christian Neuber at the Saxon Court, London, 2012.