This exceptional vintage Asian silver ornament has been realistically modelled in the form of a warship/turtle ship*.
Each side of the hull is embellished with stylised segmented panels framing cannon holes, all above seven extended oars.
The posterior portion of the oared vessel incorporates a swept, stepped stern accented with a closed pair of doors.
The bow of the ship bears an exceptional three-dimensional dragon figurehead, incorporating details replicating the scales and anatomical features.
The plateaued helm of the ship is further ornamented with two open doors and a continuation of cannons from the hull.
The deck of the ship is ornamented with protruding points emanating from grate style textures and incorporating open doors.
The ship retains two masts, conjoined with the original round link chains.
The shorter mast bears an impressive flag ornamented with the Asian characters 左令镇海 (ZUOLING ZHENHAI).
* A turtle ship was a warship used by the Korean Joseon Navy between the 15th and 19th century to fight Japanese fleets. The inverted turtle style deck was covered in spikes to deter Japanese boarding tactics.
NOTE: We are grateful to Adrien von Ferscht for his help in identifying the characters on this impressive vessel.
Maker: Unmarked
