A PASTE-EMBELLISHED GILT-BRONZE AND JADEITE OCTAGONAL SNUFF BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

meticulously constructed with a gilt-bronze frame of rectangular form with canted corners, the top of the hinged cover with a semi-translucent green glass panel, framed by bands of seed pearls and angled pink glass paste, the sides inset with panels of smoothly polished jadeite with dark mottles, interrupted by gilt bands inset with alternating circular pink and white glass paste, the interior of the cover and base finely engraved with a border of scrolls enclosing a central design of a floral bloom wreathed by scrolling leafy vines against a densely patterned ground

Delehar, London, early 2000s.

The box and cover are in overall good condtion. There are minor replacements to the paste and pearls and one pearl is missing. There is some cracking at the glass panels around the box. Other general surface wear.
"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 rare snuff box was created in China using high-quality materials, inspired by snuff boxes from Europe. For a possible prototype, see an agate and gilt-bronze snuff box of this exact octagonal form in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, probably a diplomatic gift from Europe, exhibited in Lifting the Spirit and Body: The Art and Culture of Snuff Bottles, Taipei, 2012, cat. no. I-010.  The superiority of the jadeite in the present box is displayed to its full splendour by leaving the polished surface undecorated, a practice which was reserved only for the highest quality stones. The brilliance of the mottled green tones are further accentuated by the contrasting tones and luminescence of the inlaid red and white glass paste as well as seed pearls, adding to the luxurious nature of the box.