A wood circular covered box with mother-of-pearl inlay. Vietnam, 19th/early 20th century. Photo: Courtesy of Bonhams & Butterfields

The cover intricately inlaid with flower sprays, butterflies and auspicious emblems that repeat on its exterior walls and the outside walls of the box itself (wear, separating age cracks); 11 1/4in (28.5cm) diameter. Estimate: US$2,000 - 3,000

Provenance: purchased in Paris, 1967

Bonhams & Butterfields. Asian Works of Art, 30 Aug 2011, California, San Francisco www.bonhams.com