Chinese Export Octagonal Silver Trinket Box
Chinese Export Silver Octagonal Trinket Box. This delightful Chinese export lidded silver trinket box with repeating floral motif is marked Zu Yin (pure silver) and, while the artisan character mark is somewhat worn, is believed to be that of Heng Chang (also known as Hung Chong) a rarely encountered mark of an artisan who operated in Canton between 1860 to 1920. Heng Chang was an independent artisan but also known to work with retailers such as Wang Hing with the mark found from time to time on items marked without retail mark such as with this example. This box is 5cm wide and 3cm high with the lid fitting securely. The repeating floral and geometric repousse motifs are simple yet stylish and set within panels on each side of the octagonal box. Weighing 44.8g the piece presents in good antique condition with some wear and scratching noticeable but is reflected in the price. A delightful Chinese silver box from an iconic maker and certainly worthy of inclusion in any silver or silver box collection.