LIAO DYNASTY (AD 907-1125)

Details

A RARE PARCEL-GILT SILVER BOX AND COVER
LIAO DYNASTY (AD 907-1125)
The domed cover is decorated with a repoussé design of a single three-clawed dragon pursuing a flaming pearl encircled by a row of raised bosses. The body is decorated with bands of phoenixes in flight between flower sprays, and further decorated with bands of foliate scrolls and petal lappets. The whole is raised on a splayed foot and highlighted in gilding and reserved on a fine ring-punched ground.
5 in. (12.7 cm.) diam.

Provenance

Acquired in Indiana in the mid-1950s and thence by descent within the family.

Brought to you by

Margaret Gristina (葛曼琪) Senior Specialist, VP

asianartny@christies.com +1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay

Silver boxes of the present form and decoration are extremely rare. Compare a parcel-gilt silver box and cover of smaller size and with 'bird and flower' decoration, illustrated in The Great Treasury of Chinese Fine Arts-Arts and Crafts, vol. 10: Gold, Silver, Glass and Enamelware, Beijing, 1987, p. 32, pls. 66 and 67. It is interesting to note that the form and design of Liao silver wares can also be found in Five Dynasties and early Northern Song ceramics. Compare a Yue box of similar form, but with lotus motif, sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2009, lot 321.

More from Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

View All