An Ottoman jade and gem-set silver-gilt casket, Turkey and China, 19th century

of rectangular form on four applied gem-set cusped feet, the exterior set with rubies, emeralds, amethysts and sapphires against a ground of engraved floral motifs, the lid mounted with an openwork carved Chinese jade plaque

In generally good condition, gemstones heavily foiled, some with small scratches, a very small number (of varied colour) may be a later replacement, minor scratches to the gilding, minor losses to some of the jade foliage of the lid, as viewed.
"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 present casket, as with the previous lot, is a product of the Ottoman taste for Chinese artefacts, in this case, carved jade. The jade piece itself is worked in a manner that could potentially ascribe it to the Ming or Qing dynasty, and may have originally been presented as a diplomatic gift as suggested by the prominent position that it occupies on the box. The choice of a pale jade harks back to the preference of Chinese emperors for white jade. The casket itself was designed around this piece which was mounted into a petalled setting and further worked with a foliate trellis border, the sides engraved with floral designs on a punched ground and set with large gemstones. Stylistically, it is reminiscent of the reliquary containing the tooth of the Prophet (Dendan-i Saadet), which was made for Sultan Mehmed IV (r.1648-87), now in the Topkapi (Akşit 1986, p.175, no.5).