AN OPENWORK SILVER LIDDED BOX FOR PAAN (BETEL LEAF WITH ARECA NUT)
Thailand or China for the South East Asian Export Market, early 20th century

Of circular shape, resting on a flat base, the sides and lid finely pierced and chased in high relief with a great variety of animals and floral motifs, the central roundel on the lid with a typical Chinese dragon, the band around it featuring all the animals of Chinese Zodiac, the sides with fishes, doves, manta rays, carps, crabs, and fully blossomed peonies and roses, the base stamped with three Chinese silver marks, 14cm diam. and 6cm high, weight 455g.