Chinese Qing Dynasty, 19th century tortoise shell three tier…
click the photo to enlarge
Chinese Qing Dynasty, 19th century tortoise shell three tier jewellery box and cover, of rectangular form set with a rectangular carved dragon panel an loop handle, opening to three deep levered tiers, on for square feet, 15 cm x 15 cm x 11 cm

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Tier - One or more under-shelves of a table or cabinet.
  • Qing Dynasty - The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.
  • Tortoiseshell - Tortoiseshell is a translucent material that comes from the horny carapace of a certain types of turtles, including the hawksbill turtle. It is often therefore mounted on a colour underground - often red - or inlaid with gold or silver thread, as seen in Boulle furniture.

    The texture and colour nuances of the material are extremely important. Heated tortoiseshell can easily be formed into various shapes. Like other natural materials, tortoiseshell becomes more beautiful with use. In a time before plastic, tortoiseshell was widely used for small objects such as combs and powder compacts.

    In 1973, the trade of tortoiseshell worldwide was banned under CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Prior to importing or exporting items containing tortoiseshell a CITES permit must be obtained. Tortoiseshell items cannot be traded on Ebay.

    "Faux tortoiseshell", another case of man initiating nature, is made from old-style plastics such as celluloid and cellulos and is coloured with red, yellow and brown spots to imitate the genuine article. It is commonly used in glasses frames, musical instruments and costume jewellery.
  • Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

A small cast iron chest with central crest. 19 cm high, 36 cm wide, 26 cm deep

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Victorian tortoiseshell tea caddy, serpentine sides, shallow domed cover. Width 12 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

An early 19th century metal bound cabin trunk with brass name plaque 'R.Ashby Esq.'. Ashby was a ships surgeon in the early 19th century. 45 cm high, 61 cm wide, 40 cm deep. Provenance:: Direct family descent

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Large lidded rectangular tortoise shell box, approx 13 cm long, 8 cm wide, 4 cm high

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.