Lot 1279. A rare miniature silver box and cover, Tang-Song dynasty, 9th-12th century; 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 10,000 - USD 15,0000. Price realised USD 12,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2010.

The cover chased with a serpent coiled around a tortoise (The Dark Warrior), each with head turned to face the other, reserved on a crosshatch ground and within a single line border encircled by leafy scroll and a dogtooth pattern at the edge, above a further band of leafy scroll on the side repeated on the sides of the box, the base chased with a stylized flower head.

Provenance: Carl Kempe Collection.

Literature: B. Gyllensvärd, Chinese Gold & Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, no. 135.