Lacquer and Diamond Cheroot Case, Boucheron, Circa 1915

The rectangular black lacquer case decorated to the front with two tone gilt work depicting an urn with a foliate and floral display including prunus branches, the thumb piece and hinges accented with rose-cut diamonds, measurements approximately: length 95mm, width 55mm, depth 10mm, case unsigned, French assay and indistinct maker's mark, fitted case by Boucheron Paris. Estimate 4,000—6,000 GBP

NOTE: Lacquer work is believed to have originated in China and then extended to Japan. Lacquer Work is the process of applying a varnish to the surface of a material, most commonly wood, as both a decorative and protective finish. It is a technique that involves applying several thin coats of lacquer made from the sap of the Asian lac tree. The lacquer can have colour added to it, other methods of decoration include inlaying mother-of-pearl, coral or metal into the surface such as in this example.

Sotheby's. Fine Jewels. 19 Mar 09. London www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's