Four Gem-Set Carved Coral Figures, Verdura And Others, 20th Century. Photo Sotheby's

comprising a pair of crouching lions with gem-set eyes, mounted on trapezodial wood plinths, undersides of plinths mounted with gold plaques engraved VERDURA; a figure of a seated spaniel with emerald eyes and diamond-set hair bow and diamond and pearl collar, unmarked; and a figure of a Buddha under an 18-karat gold palm tree emerging from the gold base chased with flowers and set with emeralds, base with marks for Firenze, mid 20th century. Length of lions on plinths 4 1/8 in. 10.4 cm - Estimate 1,800-2,500 USD

Sotheby's. Property from the Estate of Brooke Astor. New York | 24 sept. 2012 www.sothebys.com