Card case

Elegant Chinese-made metal business card holder box, dating to the first quarter of the 20th century, between the late Qing era and the early Republic of China. Made in silvered metal, it features a refined hand-chased decoration with floral and naturalistic oriental-inspired motifs. The front is adorned with an elaborate relief composition depicting birds among flowering branches, roses, buds and stylized leaves. The workmanship, rich in detail, gives depth and movement to the surface. The back features a refined panel of carved mother-of-pearl, decorated with a naturalistic landscape including a bird, vine tendrils, leaves and grape clusters. The delicate iridescences of the mother-of-pearl create an elegant contrast with the silvered surface of the frame, finely incised with vegetal motifs and ornamental scrolls. The box has a rectangular structure with a side hinge and a tongue-and-groove closure, typical of personal accessories intended to hold business cards or small documents. The ensemble testifies to the decorative taste of Chinese craftsmanship also aimed at the international market in the early decades of the twentieth century, combining traditional techniques with functional forms of Western influence. Era: first quarter of the 20th century, about 1900–1925 (stylistic attribution). Origin: China. Material: silvered metal and incised mother-of-pearl. Good overall condition relative to its age. Object of particular interest to collectors of Oriental silver, vintage accessories and Chinese decorative arts. The photographs constitute an integral part of the description.

Estimation:€90

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