A RARE TURQUOISE-INLAID GILT-BRONZE BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of oval form, the cover inset with turquoise stones depicting leafy tendrils of melon vine on a gold thread filigree ground, similarly decorated with a key-fret band at the rim, the sides encircled by a band of turquoise florets against a gold filigree ground, set with a mirror to the underside of the hinged cover

The box and inlays are overall in very good condition with only a few expected light scratches on the base and minor dents around the rims. The mirror on the interior of the cover is partly oxidized.
"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."

The present box is comparable with a small quatrefoil shaped box decorated in a similar manner with turquoise inlay on a gold filigree ground, from the collections of Her late Majesty Queen Mary and H. M. Knight, included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935-36, cat. no. 2325, and in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Arts of the Ch’ing Dynasty, London, 1964, cat. no. 356. Three further related examples are illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Miniature Crafts in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, cat. no. 41, all of different shape but similarly decorated with turquoise inlay. Another box, of cinqfoil shape, covered overall with a delicate filigree diaper studded with inlaid florettes composed of turquoise, rose quartz and pearls, was sold in these rooms, 20^th May 1987, lot 612; and a further example of a flower form box with a brocade-like filigree ground and inlaid with turquoise, from the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, was included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Arts of the Ch’ing Dynasty op.cit., pl. 355.