A Chinese Bronze Box and Cover with Arabic Inscription

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 17th or 18th century, bronze box with cover, having straight sides and lipped rims, the flat cover cast with Arabic calligraphy to center and floral border to rim.




2 1/4 in., 4 1/4 in. diameter, weighs 1 lb., 15 oz. (850 grams)

Collection of Mr. John Sylvester, Jr.

Purchased in Beijing in 1984.

Boxes, like the one on offer here, were primarily made for domestic use by Muslim communities within China.

Chips and loss to rim of base; small areas of verdigris to lid; rubbing to patina to underside; consistent scattered small areas of surface wear to patina.