ANTIQUE 19thC CHINESE SOLID SILVER CASKET, BAO XING c.1890
Antique late 19th Century rare Chinese export solid silver large casket made for the Thai market, crafted in an elongated rectangular form, the lid is intricately embossed with a scene from the Ramakien, a Thai rendition of the Hindu epic Ramayana. This artistic piece holds significance within the Thai literary canon. Noteworthy is the infusion of Chinese influence, observable in the decorative elements along the edges, featuring trailing Chinese dragons in pursuit of the mystic pearl.
The base is hallmarked with a Chinese silversmith mark (acid tested shows 900+ standard), Maker's mark for B.H B.H for Bo Hing (alternative of Bao Xing).
Reference Number: A9731
DESCRIPTION
Antique late 19th Century rare Chinese export solid silver large casket made for the Thai market, crafted in an elongated rectangular form, the lid is intricately embossed with a scene from the Ramakien, a Thai rendition of the Hindu epic Ramayana. This artistic piece holds significance within the Thai literary canon. Noteworthy is the infusion of Chinese influence, observable in the decorative elements along the edges, featuring trailing Chinese dragons in pursuit of the mystic pearl.
The box is particularly large, heavy and very well crafted, made by one of the most sought after and outstanding silversmiths of the time. The base is hallmarked with a Chinese silversmith mark (acid tested shows 900+ standard), Maker's mark for B.H B.H for Bo Hing (alternative of Bao Xing). The mark for Bao Xing is illustrated in Bromberg, P., (2019), Thai SIlver and Nielloware, Bangkok: River Books, p. 192 fig. 7.04. where it is written “It is claimed that this silversmith operated in Canton from 1860-1910, but unfortunately, to date, no supporting evidence has come to light. The Bao Xing atelier appears to have specialised in high-relief repousse work.”
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Height: 8.5cm
Width: 30.5cm
Depth: 11cm
Weight: 1420g