A Large Jewelled Gold and Micromosaic Presentation Table Snuff Box, the Micromosaic Attributed to Antonio Aguatti, Rome, Circa 1820, the Box by Vaillant, St. Petersburg, 1849
Auction Closed
June 18, 05:01 PM GMT
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
rectangular with rounded corners, the lid applied with a fine micromosaic plaque representing 'Tawny', the spaniel belonging to William, 6th Duke of Devonshire, in a polished gold frame, on an engine-turned ground, flanked by a chased lion and stag as symbols of strength and endurance, the sides and base engraved and engine-turned with floral foliage and scrollwork, maker's mark Vaillant (Roman script), assaymaster D. Tverskoi, St Petersburg, 1849, in a fitted tooled presentation case stamped with the Imperial double-headed eagle
Length 3.9 in.
10 cm
Presented by Emperor Alexander II to Dr. William Lockhart in 1869;
Thence by Descent;
Sotheby's London, 5 June 1997, lot 261
The accompanying letter of presentation reads:
Peking, May 31st 1869
My dear Doctor Lockhart
It is now one year since the Russian Legation has been the recipient of your valuable professional [sic] services. Informing my Government of them, I am happy to advise you, that the Emperor, as a mark of his satisfaction, has placed in my hands the gold box, I have the honour to transmit herewith. Hoping that its possession may often recall to your mind the gratitude of myself and the other members of the Legation, I beg to subscribe myself ever your sincere friend
L. de Balluzin
William Lockhart (1811-1896) trained as a doctor in Dublin and London before joining the London Missionary Society. In 1838 he was appointed medical missionary to Canton and was later sent to Beijing, where he worked from 1861 to 1864; he retired in 1867. He was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the London Missionary Society from 1869 to 1870, during which period he received this snuff box.
Haydn Williams, Snuff Boxes from a Private Collection, London, 2012, p. 40, no. 20
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