An exquisite nephrite box with 18 carat gold framework decorated with scrolls and flowers. Underneath the rock crystal, the lid is decorated with an extraordinarily detailed, hand painted battle scene/pillaging between possibly Napoleon's army and Cossacks of Russia. Several maidens appearing to be rescued on horseback in dress typical of the late 1700s very early 1800s. Each nephrite panel is inlaid with gold floral detail and embellished with mother-of-pearl, pearl, diamond, lapiz lazuli and ruby. A lavish thumb-piece finishes the box with a central cushion-cut garnet, rose-cut diamonds, seed pearls, rose-cut emeralds and rose-cut rubies.
An exceptional box of exquisite quality and condition. Of French or Russian origin.