Antique Japanese Silver Jewelry or Keepsake Box

A remarkable intricately designed, handcrafted silver box, circa 1880s. We were told that this box is sterling silver and that the makers mark "M" is that of "M. Mayer". Maurice MAYER was a very prestigious silversmith. Research shows that he was an "Orfèvre de l'Empereur", Napoleon Bonaparte, 1860-1870. The Minerva hallmarks are not visible, may have been rubbed off from use and cleaning. No documentation. This intricately carved box depicts the romantic poem of Le Roman de la Rose (The Romance of the Rose). Comes with the original lock and key. Le Roman de la Rose, begun by Guillaume de Lorris circa 1230 and completed, in a different style, circa 1270-1280, by Jean de Meun, builds on the concept of courtly love found in the poetry of the troubadours. The authors create a complex allegory of the romance between the Lover and the Rose. In the quest to pick the Rose (to achieve the conquest of love), the flower and its attendants represent the Lady and her sentiments while being wooed. In the first part of the poem, written by de Lorris, the Lover recounts his dream, ending with the winning of a kiss from the Lady. In the dream, the Lover discovers a walled garden and gains entrance thanks to a beautiful young woman. He meets Diversion and dancers who represent courtly values such as Beauty and Generosity. A tour of the garden brings him to a beautiful bed of roses by the Fountain of Love...

Beautiful Japanese hand painted porcelain decorative trinket, pill or jewelry box or serving dish of Meiji period. The decoration cons...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver box; an addition to our collection of Chinese silverware. This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) box has a plain rectangular form. The surface of the body is encompassed with exceptional chased oriental Chinese dragon designs amidst clouds, all on a matte background; each panel bears a plain and unembellished border. This antique silver box is fitted with a hinged silver cover, bearing a continuation of cloud ornamentation to the side panels. The upper plateau of the cover is ornamented with two further dragon designs accented with impressive emanating whiskers, incorporating a circular vacant cartouche to the centre. By virtue of its size this versatile box could be used for a multitude of functions. The box features a solid silver base which is plain and unembellished, apart from the feature hallmarks; a solid silver base is a sign of quality. The hallmarks struck to the underside of this antique Chinese box...

Chinese Export Silver Table Box of rectangular shape, embossed and chased with prunus decoration on a "cracked-ice" background and with a single oval vacant cartouche on the hinged l...