A rare Canton tribute embellished silver-gilt jadeite casket, Qing dynasty, 19th century. Photo Sotheby's

of rectangular form, the hinged cover and body comprised of eight facets, each mounted with a jadeite panel outlined with a single row of seed pearls, with foil back garnets along horizontal sides, on a gilt-metal body, the base engraved with musical instruments, including a violin and a frame of interlacing ribbons, the interior lined with purple velvet, with box. Quantité: 2 - 12.5 by 11 by 10.4cm., 4 7/8 by 4 3/8 by 4 1/8 i. Estimation 50,000 -- 70,000 GBP 

The beauty of the jadeite stone of the present piece is displayed to its fullness by leaving the polished surface undecorated, a practice that was reserved only for stones of exceptional colouration. The brilliance of the green and smoky white tones are further accentuated by the contrasting tones and luminescence of the inlaid red and white glass paste, which also enhance the box’s luxuriousness. Jadeite vessels of this type are rare; a closely related example was offered in our Hong Kong rooms, 8^th April 2010, lot 1807; another, but studded with pearls and red glass, from the estate of Brooke Astor, was sold in our New York rooms, 24^th September 2012, lot 150; and a cigarette case, the jadeite of even emerald colour and a band of cabochon rubies placed near the top of the body, was sold in our New York rooms, 18^thApril 1989, lot 242.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. London | 06 nov. 2013 - http://www.sothebys.com