Antique Chinese oval metal box with lid poem
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Jin Dynasty (420-509 AD)
This antique Chinese oval box features a construction that combines multiple metallic materials. The exterior lid and the sides of the box are crafted from silver, while the interior of the box and the bottom are made of copper.
The piece incorporates a lead insert within the lid and an additional layer of lead positioned between the silver sides and the interior copper lining. Measuring 4 inches by 2 inches by 1 inch, the box is distinguished by a Chinese poem engraved on the surface of the lid. The text of the poem is attributed to the Jin Dynasty (420-509 AD) and describes idyllic scenes of palm trees, chickens, and artistic pursuits, specifically mentioning paintings of old trees, leaves, a dragon, and a tiger within a mountain creek.
The box serves as an example of decorative metalwork combining different alloys with historical literary inscriptions.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- silver, copper, lead
- Dimensions
- 4" x 2" x 1"
Design
- Inscriptions
- Chinese poem originally written in Jin Dynasty (420-509 AD)
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.