5th Nov, 2024 10:00

Asian Art I 亞洲藝術 I
 
  Lot 181
 

A LARGE CHINESE PARCEL-GILT SILVER 'MYTHICAL BEAST' CIRCULAR BOX AND COVER
唐 銀局部鎏金鏨刻瑞獸紋大圓蓋盒

A LARGE CHINESE PARCEL-GILT SILVER 'MYTHICAL BEAST' CIRCULAR BOX AND COVER

Tang Dynasty

唐 銀局部鎏金鏨刻瑞獸紋大圓蓋盒

The circular box and cover with a slightly domed top and upright sides, decorated throughout with finely engraved and parcel-gilt motifs, the cover at the centre with a winged mythical beast, showing it's open mouth in a roar and a raised tail, with one front paw in the air visibly displaying the claws, surrounded by a border of stylised flowers, the upright side with floral scrolls and birds and the upright sides of the bottom sections with floral scrolls and other mythical beasts, the base with stylised flower foliate scrolls, all on a minutely ring-punched ground, the interior left plain.

15.2cm diameter

(2)

-

PROVENANCE:

Property from a private collection in California;

Private Collection, Aichi, Japan;

UK Private Collection, London.

來源:

美國加州私人收藏;

日本愛知縣私人收藏;

英國倫敦私人收藏

-

NOTES:

Other circular boxes of this shape, of variying sizes and decoration, both decorated and also undecorated, were popular during the Tang dynasty. The purposes of these boxes also varied and they were often used as containers for medicines but also gifts and tribute. A very similar example of this design can be found in the Shaanxi History Museum in Xi'an, illustrated in Selected Treasures from the Hejiacun Tang Hoard, Beijing, 2003. The box held in the collection of the Shaanxi history museum holds an inscription to the interior indicating that the purpose of that particular box was to hold granulated gold, most likely used for medicinal purposes and highly treasured. Please also refer to the box illustrated in C. Michaelson, Gilded Dragons: Buried Treasures from China's Golden Ages, British Museum, 1999, p. 121-22, no. 85.

The discovery of the Hejiacun Hoard in 1970, near Xi’an, the ancient capital of Chang'an, unearthed one of the most remarkable treasure troves of Tang dynasty. This hoard contained over 1,000 items, including silver and gold vessels, jewelry, and other luxury items, hidden away during a period of political instability in the late 8th century. The silver wares from the Hejiacun Hoard exemplify the height of Tang craftsmanship, showcasing refined techniques such as repoussé, chasing, engraving, and gilding.

Many pieces feature cosmopolitan influences, a testament to the Tang Empire's vibrant connections through the Silk Road. Exotic motifs, such as Sassanian inspired winged animals, Persian vine scrolls, and Buddhist iconography all blend with more traditional Chinese themes like phoenixes, lotus flowers, and geometric patterns. These designs reflect the cultural diversity and openness of the Tang court, which absorbed and adapted elements from Central Asia, Persia, and beyond.

The Hejiacun silverwares are believed to have belonged to a wealthy merchant or aristocrat. The discovery not only highlights the technical virtuosity of Tang artisans but also offers insight into the opulence and cosmopolitanism of Tang society.

Estimated at £8,000 - £12,000

 

Do you have an item similar to the item above? If so please click the link below to submit a free online valuation request through our website.

 

Images*

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.