Heavenly Treasures Sealed with Ancient Emblems
Legend whispers that the lion is the progeny of the dragon, embodying power, courage, and unwavering loyalty. Tasked by the heavens to serve as the guardian, the lion stands as one of the most revered sacred creatures, its roar potent enough to dispel spirits and banish all malevolence. Thus, the lion has been venerated as an emblem of good fortune by the Chinese people from ancient times to the present day. This profound respect has driven collectors to seek out artifacts and vessels adorned with lion motifs, particularly those arranged in harmonious sets known as ‘Tao’ in Thai. These sets, gracefully ordered from large to medium to small, epitomize a cherished tradition from eras long past.
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In this Live Auction, RCB Auctions proudly presents a gilt silver box adorned with the figure of a lion, a masterpiece of Shanghai silversmiths. This exquisite piece, demanding the meticulous artistry of highly skilled artisans, stands as a rare gem in the world of silverwork. Beyond its exceptional craftsmanship, the box bears the prestigious “Tan Yue He” (谭粤和) hallmark, one of the most revered marks of superior quality in ancient Eastern silverwork (In addition, other esteemed hallmarks such as Bao Xing (宝兴), Da Xing (大兴), and Hui Yuan (汇源) also represent the pinnacle of excellence and quality assurance in silver craftsmanship). The unique allure of the Tan Yue He hallmark lies in its association with only the finest artisans, making items bearing this mark highly coveted by collectors since ancient times. These pieces, renowned for their intricate detailing, superb craftsmanship, and substantial weight, were cherished possessions of the elite and affluent.
This exquisite gilt silver box is also paired with an octagonal silver tray intricately engraved with the Swastika, known as “Wan” (萬) in Chinese, which translates to ‘ten thousand’. This auspicious symbol, commonly referred to as “Wan Zi” (卍字), originates from Mahayana Buddhism and has been revered globally for thousands of years. Particularly significant in religious contexts, the Swastika is employed in Buddhism, Brahmanism, Hinduism, and Jainism to enhance the prosperity, virtue, and abundance of those who possess artifacts bearing this symbol.
A very fine and rare gilt silver set of covered boxes in the shape of Buddhist lions, placed on a silver octagonal tray adorned with a Swastika design and supported by bat figure legs, decorated in relief with birds in flight amidst flowers.

A large rare and fine Benjarong lidded jar painted with Theppanom and Singha surrounded by a continuous floral design on a black ground (1 pc.)
Style: Chinese
Dimensions: W 21.5 cm H 14.5 cm weight 1,305 gram
Circa: 19th - 20th Century
Estimated Price: 400,000 - 500,000 THB
Starting Price: 80,000 THB