Gilt-Silver Pavilion-Shaped Box

This box is made of chased and gilt silver. It is pavilion-shaped, with eaves projecting from the four corners. The straight sides are decorated with four scenes: bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum, and lotus. The box contains a mechanism that allows the four sides to open, revealing internal compartments for storing items like tobacco or incense. The base is decorated with lotus and acanthus patterns, the latter seemingly influenced by Western motifs. This box exhibits exquisite craftsmanship, ingenious design, and a style combining Chinese and Western elements in both form and decoration.