rectangular with canted corners, sides engraved with "cloud and thunder" motif, cover applied with Chinese characters “xuan” (to declare or to command) and “xin” (trust or confidence), with two internal compartments, marked to underside
2.3/4 in. (7 cm.) long

3 oz. 8 dwt. (106 gr.)

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Lot Essay

According to author Adrien von Ferscht the ‘cloud and thunder” motif as depicted on the sides of this box is derived from pictographs from the Shang Dynasty (1600 to 1046 BCE) and is generally held to have been the forerunner of the Greek Key pattern. This motif originally represented life giving rain and abundance, but has since simplified to represent longevity.

We are grateful to Adrien von Ferscht for identifying the artisan workshop. For further information please see Adrien von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940 – The Definitive Collectors’ Guide, 4th Edition, Glasgow and Beijing, January 2015.