A SMALL RUBY-GROUND 'FAMILLE-ROSE' TOOTHPICK HOLDER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of rounded rectangular form, the body finely painted to imitate a ruby-ground brocade scroll delicately enamelled with multi-coloured flowers including lotus and lilies connected by foliate scrolls, tied together with a moulded gilt cord and toggle, the titleslip inscribed with the four characters wan shou wu jiang ('Endless Longevity') in seal-script, the hems of the brocade painted with a classic scroll in blue enamel, the two ends gilt with concentric ovals pierced with a small aperture, threaded through and tied with a beaded tassel  

There is slight rubbing to the gilding, but otherwise the piece is in very good condition overall.
"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."

Boxes of this small size were produced during the reign of Qianlong for a range of different purposes. Compare a toothpick holder in the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, inscribed on the cover with the hall name Leshan Tang, and with a poem on the inside, also made in the form of a rolled up scroll, but with slightly different brocade pattern and landscape, illustrated in Emperor Ch'ien-lung's Great Cultural Entreprise, National Palace Museum, Taiwan, 2002, cat.no. 1-48.  See also a similar pink-ground small box sold in these rooms, 25th April 2004, lot 57.