Chinese Silver Boxes (2) Sireh Set c1875

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Chinese Silver Boxes (2) Sireh Set c1875:
$1950.00

CHINESE SILVER BOX SET; STRAITS c1875; PARCEL GILT; SIGNED; ILLUSTRATED IN MENG\'S TEXT

We are pleased to offer this set of Chinese Straits silver parcel gilt boxes.

First of many we are offering from a decades old Straits silver collection.

Straits were British territories in southeast Asia. Formed in 1826. Singapore, Malacca, Dinding and Penang.

During the 19th century a number of Chinese trained silversmiths settled in the Straits. They opened shops offering fine silver for domestic (not export) market. (See Ho Wing Meng, 1984).

Most all Straits silver was ornamental. Other than Sireh sets and small teapots.

There were no large tea sets, coffee pots, trays, cocktail shakers and so on. As produced on mainland China for export to Europe and America.

Straits silver often displays far superior workmanship to export silver. (Meng, 1984).

The boxes offered today part of a larger Sireh, or Betal leaf chewing, set (See below). Comprised of cups and smaller covered boxes and serving pieces.

Betal leaf chewing an important part of Straits social customs. It is found nowhere else.

Raised circular almost mushroom form.

Cover with exotic birds feeding and perched in trees. Delicately hand carved scene of squirrels in grape and leaf. Spread collet foot.

Sireh boxes 2 1/2 inches tall and set 4 1/4 standard ounces.

Hallmarked Chinese characters, later obscured.

In very fine condition. Rich silver parcel gilt patina. Covers close flush. The beautifully hand engraved exotic birds, squirrel in grape and vine and floral retain their detail. Some gilt loss.

Massachusetts residents are subject to sales tax.