Chinese Export Sterling Silver Double Skinned Repousse Prunus Box. Marked simply as Sterling Silver?? And seemingly without artisan or retail mark, this elegant repousse double skinned hinged lid Chrysanthemum box is a very good example of the quality workmanship expected of such items in the early periods of the Chinese export trade. The hinged lid is emblazoned with repousse work of Chrysanthemums in flower thrusting from the earth above a small mound positioned starkly against a chased stippled background. Chrysanthemums, which symbolize happiness and vitality, are a popular flower in Chinese history, carrying special significance during lunar new year celebrations. The four sides are decorated with repousse garlands against a continuation of the stippled background chasing. The decoration is superbly finished and while intricate in parts, overall understated with the Artisan’s design confidently allowing space for the embellishments to “grow” which, in our opinion, adds gravitas to the piece. The box opens to a beautifully planished silver double skinned interior polished to a mirror like sheen. This delightful, hinged Chrysanthemum box is likely such an example of early double skin silver and would perhaps have been made for the western market in the earlier days of the Chinese Export silver period. The lack of artisan and retail marks but with the inclusion of the “Sterling” silver purity character mark might suggest a foreign target market. Of 12cm x 8.7cm x 4.2cm in size and weighing approximately 330g this delightful box presents in particularly good antique condition with some slight denting to the exterior and scratching evident to the interior and base of the box. While these issues do not detract significantly from the piece and are in fact indicative of the fineness of the silver and delicate nature of the workmanship they are nonetheless reflected in the price. This auspicious Chrysanthemum double skinned hinged lid box is a fine example of Chinese Export silver design and will delight even the fussiest silver collector and represents a rare opportunity to secure a fine example of Chinese craftsmanship. Size: 12 x 8.7 x 4.2cm (4.7 x 3.3 x 1.6 in). This item is in the category “Antiques\Silver\Sterling”. The seller is “michellduncomb_0″ and is located in this country: AU. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Pattern: Floral Repousse
• Composition: Sterling
• Originating Region: China
• Product Type: Decorative Box
• Era: 1800s
• Style: Antique
• Original/Reproduction: Original
• Material: Silver