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A Canton Enamel Spice Box | Qing Dynasty, 19th Century — Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

A Canton Enamel Spice Box | Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

This exquisite Canton enamel spice box from the Qing Dynasty showcases masterful decorative artistry, with its exterior adorned in vibrant panels depicting flowers, birds, and insects set against a delicate pink ground. The meticulous craftsmanship extends to the interior of the cover, where a finely painted bat in flight serves as an auspicious symbol of good fortune and prosperity. A testament to the refined elegance of 19th-century Chinese decorative arts, this piece exemplifies the intricate enameling techniques that made Canton wares highly prized both domestically and abroad.

Medium
The exterior of the cover and box decorated with panels of flowers, birds and insects, all against a pink ground, the interior of the cover painted with a bat in flight.

🔨 Auction Lot

Works of Art from the Morpurgo Collection

October 31, 2018

Estimate: $300$500

Lot 33

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About this work

A Canton Enamel Spice Box | Qing Dynasty, 19th Century, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

This exquisite Canton enamel spice box from the Qing Dynasty showcases masterful decorative artistry, with its exterior adorned in vibrant panels depicting flowers, birds, and insects set against a delicate pink ground. The meticulous craftsmanship extends to the interior of the cover, where a finely painted bat in flight serves as an auspicious symbol of good fortune and prosperity. A testament to the refined elegance of 19th-century Chinese decorative arts, this piece exemplifies the intricate enameling techniques that made Canton wares highly prized both domestically and abroad.

Medium
The exterior of the cover and box decorated with panels of flowers, birds and insects, all against a pink ground, the interior of the cover painted with a bat in flight.
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Canton Enamel, Pink Ground, Birds And Insects, Ornamental Box, 19th Century, Chinese Decorative Art, Bat Symbolism, Asian Antique, Qing Dynasty, Floral Motifs