A rare carved jade powder horn with brass leopard mount, India, Jaipur, 18th century

the jade body carved as an ibex with brass and enamelled mounts designed as a leopard in an attack position with two hinged hooks, custom stand

Ex-collection Daniel Pasgrimaud, Paris.

The carved jade in good condition, it appears as though the lid may have been affixed to body, the leopard also in good condition, 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."

This finely carved jade powder horn, or priming flask, delicately uses the two natural tones of the jade to enhance its design. The tapering, darker end features the head of an ibex, recognizable by its two long twisted horns, from whose mouth the powder would pour. It is being attacked by a leaping leopard activated by a lever to open and close. Derived from similar models made of natural horn or ivory, jade examples are rarer. Comparables are in the National Palace Museum of Taipei, lieh 359.34 and kuyu 2743 (Taipei 1983, nos. 69 and 70), the Louvre Museum, Paris (inv.nos. R437 and R436), the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no. 02585(IS)), as well as the Al Thani collection (Jaffer 2013, no .26, p.100).