Chinese Export Silver and Enamel Box / Canister - Antique Circa 1900

Description

This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) canister / box has a hexafoil shaped form.

The surface of this double skinned antique Chinese box is embellished with overlaid filigree mesh panels with plain solid silver borders to each incurve, in addition to the upper and lower rims.

Each panel is ornamented with an applied oriental plum blossom branch accented with floral and bird designs, all accented with enamel details.

The ornamentation to the body incorporates an array of alternating collet set agate and coral gemstones.

This Chinese silver box retains the original push fit gem set, bulbous cover embellished with further filigree and enamel work identical to that of the body.

The Chinese silver and enamel box cover is surmounted with an exceptional filigree ball style finial accented with a coral gemstone to the upper portion and featuring a flared lobed, filigree terminal.

The cover opens to reveal the cylindrical chamber of the canister/box.

The underside of the box is plain and unembellished apart from the hallmark 'SILVER'; the piece does not feature an assay or maker's mark, therefore the date / origin can be determined by the composition and decoration.

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