Antique Chinese Silver BoxTurquoise BuddhaRepousse+Hand CarvedVintage Ornate. Boasting finely worked silver in an elaborate floral design on all six sides, as well as the lid, and a fat smiling Buddha, carefully carved in Persian Turquoise, this exquisite, diminutive hinged box is a work of art. Dating from around the 1920s – 30s, this beautifully hand made Art Deco period box is elaborately detailed, from the folds in the sleeves of Buddha’s robes to the placement of the flowers, with the graceful, blossoming branches alternately pointing up and down on consecutive sides. All the more remarkable for the small size, every surface except the bottom is painstakingly covered in textural embellishments, from the background stippling to the “rope” at all the edges that frames each panel, giving it a finished look and setting it off like a painting. The leafy, flowering branches and the rows of domes, echoing the domed centers of the flowers, are all raised in painstaking repousse´ (embossed). This box is the serene prong-set turquoise Buddha, that surmounts the fine silver work. Just look at that pleasant expression – the imposing rotund figure is. The hexagonal box weighs 8.8 grams a very auspicious number! And measures about 1″ tall by a little over 1-1/16″ wide (point to point) by about 5/8 deep. It is signed Made in China No. 23 Silver on the bottom. It is in Very Good / Excellent vintage condition with just dirt (including easily removed remnants of old silver polish, which is the white you see on the Buddha in the 6th photo), surface scratches, tarnish and some oxidation on the inside. As expected due to age (photo 9). The hinge works fine and the box opens as it should and latches firmly, aided by a simple friction catch. There are slight inconsistencies in execution that only add to its hand made charm and minor irregularities in the natural Persian turquoise stone that add to its beauty. Note the black veins in the blue at Buddha’s right side. This wonderful little box, with its ornate silver work and happy turquoise Buddha (or Budai), will bring a smile to the face of all who see it and the romance and allure of the Orient to your table top, cabinet, pocket or wherever it is placed. With the protective qualities the gem stone turquoise is thought to possess, the fat Buddha’s belly to rub and the lucky number 8.8 as its weight, it may even provide its owner good fortune, happiness and prosperity! This is a superb vintage Asian silver and turquoise box for your collection! Please see our other listings for more great vintage accessories and jewelry. Both methods include gift box. International buyers aware of the rules and expenses of importing into their country are welcome. WE LOVE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS! If you have a complaint, please let us know. It is our highest ambition to deserve 5 Stars. We thank you for your custom! Powered by SixBit’s eCommerce Solution. The item “Antique Chinese Silver BoxTurquoise BuddhaRepousse+Hand CarvedVintage Ornate” is in sale since Thursday, February 20, 2014. This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian Antiques\China\Boxes”. The seller is “momandpopcybershop” and is located in Houston, Texas. This item can be shipped worldwide.
