Late 19th century, gilt white brass, the largest a quatrefoil lobed form with double swing handles, the smaller both round forms with single swing handles, all having reticulated lids with hand chased foliate decoration, one of the smaller with Chinese character mark.

The largest 5 x 8 1/2 x 8 in.

Collection of Ambassador and Mrs. Leonard Woodcock

From the collection of Ambassador and Mrs. Leonard Woodcock. They lived in China from 1977 to 1981 and continued to visit frequently until 1996. Ambassador Woodcock negotiated normalization between the United States and China with leader Deng Xiaoping, and was then selected to be the first U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.

Two having minor oxidation, corrosion spotting, and slight verdigris. One with a darker oxidized patina and denting to body.