Antiquities & Fine Art

Antiquities & Fine Art

Lot 213: A CHINESE ARCHAISTIC GOLD-GILT BRONZE DUCK-FORM BOX AND COVER, 19TH CENTURY.

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This auction ended on 22 October 2026.

Start price: £600

Estimated price: £800 - £1,000

Buyer's Premium: 25%

Not sold

A Chinese archaistic box and cover cast in the form of a seated mandarin duck. The vessel is constructed from a copper alloy with parcel-gilt decoration. The body is modelled with a repeating scale pattern representing feathers, while the wings and back feature geometric archaistic line work. The upper portion of the bird’s back is removable to reveal a hollow interior.

H: Approximately 7cm


Condition report:

The item exhibits significant signs of age and environmental exposure. There is heavy green and brown oxidation and verdigris throughout the surface, with areas of thick mineral encrustation particularly noted on the lower body and interior. There is visible wear and loss to the gilded highlights and metallic inlays. The fit between the removable cover and the base is slightly irregular.