A FINE GOLD OVAL BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the oblong flat cover with straight sides notched with four faint lobes, both slightly convex lid and base chased with a matching central rosette flower radiating three and five-leafed plants alternating with pairs of confronting ducks, the sides decorated with a continuous foliate scroll, all reserved on a minute circle-punched ground, the interior of the base lined with a thin band forming the lip

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat.no. 40.

Bo Gyllensvard, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, cat.nos. 40.
Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Ulricehamn, 1999, cat.no. 38.

The overall condition of the piece is very good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present box in its form and decoration is reminiscent of earlier, Tang dynasty, silver containers. For example see a Tang circular covered box finely engraved with very similar eight-lobed rosette medallion and stylized bird and floral motif reserved on a finely punched ground, as seen on this vessel, in the collection of the Seattle Art Museum, included in the exhibition Tang Dynasty Chinese Gold and Silver in American Collections, The Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, 1984, cat.no. 34. Ibid., p. 68 it is noted that 'the lotus rosette in the centre is derived from India and Buddhism, while the formal design in Near Eastern in inspiration'.