An early 20th century Chinese export silver cigarette and cigar box, Shanghai circa 1920 by Yi retailed by Nanking Store

An early 20^th century Chinese export silver cigarette and cigar box, Shanghai circa 1920 by Yi retailed by Nanking Store

Of rectangular form with rounded edges, the hinged lid raised by a simple thumbpiece. The lid with a high relief embossed Chinese dragon with applied wirework whiskers, all centred by a vacant oval cartouche. The sides with two Chinese dragons, all reserved with spot hammered decoration. Wooden lining to the interior with a divider. Marked underneath with an artisan mark 壹 (YI), retailer’s mark NANKING STORE and SILVER.

Length – 24 cm / 9.5 inches

Operating from 444 Szechuan Road, International Settlement, Shanghai.