A late 18^th century Chinese export parcel gilt silver filigree and enamel casket, Canton circa 1780

Qing dynasty. Of rectangular form with a reeded rim, the stepped hinged lid with a chamfered edge, opposable twin side handles with acanthus capped sections. The lid with a central rosette within arabesques interspersed with flower heads, heightened with blue, green, yellow, and purple enamel, reserved with diaper work, fish scale, and foliate scroll filigree work. The sides with similar decoration of scroll and rosettes. The front with a symmetrical rocaille C scroll escutcheon, key present with open work scroll handle, lock mechanism functions. Gilt interior. Unmarked.

Length – 16.2 cm / 6.45 inches

Weight – 767 grams / 24.66 ozt

Chinese silver filigree of the Qianlong period has survived over a remarkable array of objects and sets. Several caskets are known, including seven in the highly important set owned by Catherine The Great (1726-96), which was acquired in Tibet between 1740-50. The inclusion of enamel with a filigree format quintessential to the mid-18^th century is generally thought to have been introduced to wards the end of the 18^th century.

A casket, given a date of 1740-50, of the same form and handles, but on feet and lacking enamel, and with a lift out internal tray is illustrated Kwan. S. (2018) Chinese Export Silver – The Muwen Tang Collection. Hong Kong: Muwen Tang Fine Arts Publication Ltd. p.106-107, f.16.