A gold-mounted pietra dura snuff box, in the manner of Johann Christian Neuber, probably Dresden, circa 1780 and later

oval, the body and cover of brown Chemnitz petrified wood, the lid applied with a musical trophy carved in various hardstones within a narrow gold frame, within inlaid dark red and white hardstone interlacing, inlaid simulated pearl border, the pink gold mounts engraved with scrolls and rosettes and waved on the interior, unmarked

Sone of the simulated pearls are set unevenly and some have discoloured or been replaced. Restoration to inlaid scrolls particularly on the right of frame. Top rim of gold mount leaves a gap in front when closed.
"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."

This interesting box has a number of parallels with recorded boxes by Johann Christian Neuber (1736-1809), court goldsmith in Dresden. Firstly the box is made of a local hardstone, known as 'bois petrifié, de Chemnitz' and used by Neuber in his Steinkabinett snuff boxes. Secondly the mounts are of German pink gold and engraved with a pattern similar to those used by Neuber on several boxes (see, for example, a combination of rosettes and leaves on a flower-centred box, Alexis Kugel, Gold, Jasper and Carnelian, Johann Christian Neuber at the Saxon Court, London, 2012, cat. 45, p. 145) although the wavy edging on the interior is unusual. Although it is more common for Neuber's hardstone inlay to be divided by gold cloisons, there are examples where the pattern is inserted directly into the stone ground (for example, two boxes with a milky quartz core, Kugel, op. cit., nos. 27 and 80). Many of Neuber's boxes are centred on the lids with applied carved hardstone medallions, usually with flower subjects, although a box in the Thurn and Taxis collection has an architectural view and a bonbonnière is recorded with an altar of love, Kugel, op. cit., nos. 76 and 81.