A CHINESE EXPORT SILVER SNUFF BOX

UNMARKED, CIRCA 1818

Details

A CHINESE EXPORT SILVER SNUFF BOX
UNMARKED, CIRCA 1818
Curved rectangular, chased in low relief on cover and sides with traditional scenes of figures, houses and river craft, the base with profuse floral decoration, gilt interior inscribed The Gift of John F.Davis Esq. of Canton to his Ob.t Ser.t Augustine Raymont 1818
2½ in. long (6.5 cm.)
3 oz. (93 gm.)

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Lot Essay

Sir John Francis Davis KCB (1795-1890), diplomat, Sinologist and 2nd,Governor of Hong Kong (1844-48) started as a writer in the East India Company's factory in Canton in 1813. He accompanied Lord Amherst as a linguist on his embassy to Beijing in 1816. In 1834 he was appointed joint commissioner in China with Lord Napier. As governor he was unpopular for increasing taxation and resigned after constant rows with the local British merchants.

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