A Fine and Rare Chinese Imperial Gilt Metal Box Qing Dynasty

A Fine and Rare Chinese Imperial Gilt Metal Box Qing Dynasty, late 18th/early 19th century, 8.5cm x 5.8cm x 3.6cm. After a European form, inset with seed pearls and with green, red and blue foil-backed glass panels to simulate enamel. The cartouche-shaped top with a central floral motif, set upon a green panel with a red glass tasserae surround, the outer border of blue glass overlaid with elaborate scrolls. The sides of the box set with thirty seed pearls above vertical coloured panels divided by flower motifs on a matt ground. Together with a fitted case. Inscribed inside the lid 'Loot from the Summer Palace, Pekin, Oct. 1860. Capt. James Gunter, King's Dragoon Guards.'

Provenance The Yuanmingyuan, Beijing. Captain James Gunter of the Kings Dragoon Guards who commanded G Troop in China in 1860 and thence by descent.


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