Description:

**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine silver military plaque with a gorgeous carved wood frame of rectangular form in a deep hue of espresso. Showcasing a pentagonal shape, the lustrous plaque displays 3 lines of Chinese script enveloped in a relief border of 2 celestial figures, 4 bats, a flower, and 2 birds amongst a design of swirling striations, likely representing wind. Alternatively, the skillfully carved frame features an intricate openwork motif of a dragon and a phoenix, each with sinuous coiling bodies, surrounded by an elaborate phytomorphic decoration of meandering puffs of smoke. Plaques like this example were commonly awarded between Chinese and Japanese military men. Size of plaque: 11.5" W x 9.75" H (29.2 cm x 24.8 cm); Size of wood frame: 20" W x 15" H (50.8 cm x 38.1 cm); Quality of silver: 96%

Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private estate collection, McLean, Virginia, USA

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#164518

  • Condition: Some minor indentations to silver. Expected light nicks and abrasions to wood, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent.

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May 27, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000