CHINA, SONG-YUAN DYNASTY, 12TH-13TH CENTURY

Details

A SMALL SILVER BARREL-FORM BOX AND COVER
CHINA, SONG-YUAN DYNASTY, 12TH-13TH CENTURY
Engraved around the sides with stylized lotus in quatrefoil panels set against a ground of leafy scroll, the top and underside with a six-pointed star motif with wavy lines, part of a copper coin adhered to the base
2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm.) diameter at widest, box
79 g
79 g

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Brought to you by

Gemma Sudlow

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ellsworth@christies.com 212 636 2000

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Lot Essay

The coin adhered to the base of the box is of a type with “flower-hole” centers that became popular from the Tang dynasty onwards. The lower and left characters read yuan bao, and it is possible the upper and right characters may read jing de, which would indicate the coin was cast between the years 1004-1007 during the reign of the Northern Song Emperor Zhenzong (998-1022).

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