CARVED JADEITE 'BASKET' AND SEED PEARL NECKLACE, MIKIMOTO, CIRCA 1910

Suspending on a translucent jadeite plaque of apple green colour, meticulously carved as a basket, completed by an openwork necklace set with seed pearls, mounted in 15 karat yellow gold, length approximately 580mm. Few seed pearls deficient.

Colour and Clarity: According to Jadeite Jade Testing Certificate, the jadeite "basket" is natural, Type A Jadeite Jade. Please refer to the certificate for details. In our opinion, the jadeite "basket" is translucent, of medium to strong apple green colour, suffused with white clouds. Condition: Karat yellow gold mount with minor discolouration to the metal and abrasions to both the mount and surface of the jadeite, which are consistent with age. About 8 tiny seed pearls are missing from the necklace. Antique necklace, overall in fair to good condition. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that jadeite and rubies of Burmese origin and articles of jewellery containing jadeite or rubies of Burmese origin all less than 100 years old may not be imported into the US. The purchaser's inability to import any item into the U.S. or any other country as a result of these or other restrictions shall not justify cancellation or rescission of the sale or any delay in payment. Please check with the specialist department if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these import restrictions, or any other restrictions on importation or exportation.
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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificate numbered SJ 52668, dated 31 July 2012, stating that the jadeite is natural, known in the trade as "A Jade". Also accompanied by a signed box.

Mikimoto a name famed for its cultured pearls, revolutionised the world of pearls with its first spherical cultured pearl in 1905. Having opened his inaugural store in Ginza, Tokyo in 1899, Kokichi Mikimoto was fascinated by the then contemporary techniques of European jewellery, which spurred him to open his first gold factory in Japan in 1907, followed by his first overseas store in London in 1913. Given the unusual use of gold and tiny seed pearls in the mounting of this necklace which incorporates a carved jadeite hanging flower basket, this rare vintage necklace probably came from Mikimoto’s workshop from this period.