A rare Canton tribute embellished silver-gilt jadeite casket Qing Dynasty, 19th century

of rectangular form, the hinged cover and body comprised of eight facets, each mounted with a jadeite panel outlined with a single row of seed pearls, with foil back garnets along horizontal sides, on a gilt-metal body, the base engraved with musical instruments, including a violin and a frame of interlacing ribbons, the interior lined with purple velvet, with box

This casket is in good condition, with all the seed pearls and garnets intact. There is some light scratcing to the silver gilt base and a deeper z-form scratch to one side (7mm by 4mm). There is also some light scratches to the gilding to the interior of the cover. There is some wear to the base of the leather box and to the velvet lining.
"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 beauty of the jadeite stone of the present piece is displayed to its fullness by leaving the polished surface undecorated, a practice that was reserved only for stones of exceptional colouration. The brilliance of the green and smoky white tones are further accentuated by the contrasting tones and luminescence of the inlaid red and white glass paste, which also enhance the box’s luxuriousness. Jadeite vessels of this type are rare; a closely related example was offered in our Hong Kong rooms, 8^th April 2010, lot 1807; another, but studded with pearls and red glass, from the estate of Brooke Astor, was sold in our New York rooms, 24^th September 2012, lot 150; and a cigarette case, the jadeite of even emerald colour and a band of cabochon rubies placed near the top of the body, was sold in our New York rooms, 18^thApril 1989, lot 242.

 

For examples of similarly embellished boxes manufactured from various materials, compare a pair lazuli and white jade embellished gold-mounted cosmetic box offered at Christie’s Hong Kong, 3^rd December 2008, lot 2258; and a larger silver jewellery box inlaid with silver filigree panels and embellished with glass paste stones around the edges, included in the exhibition The Imperial Packing Art of the Qing Dynasty, The Palace Museum, Beijing, 1999, cat. no. 120.