East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A lovely miniature model rendered in high quality 93.69% to 97.5% sterling silver to resemble a bamboo raft or junk ship with a woven sail and wire rigging. There is incredible detail on this piece; the sail "cloth" is actually woven from silver strips and the edges are stamped with the stylized concentric circular motif known as "seigaiha" in Japan but used to denote water on ancient Chinese maps. Similar models of rafts and junk boats were made in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and China during this time - likely inspired by and for the overseas trade with Europe. Size: 4" L x 1.75" W x 4" H (10.2 cm x 4.4 cm x 10.2 cm); silver quality: 93.69% to 97.5%; weight: 29.7 grams

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired from Goldberg Auctions, Los Angeles, California, USA in 1968

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#142631

Mast is no longer attached and loose, it was held in place by modern wires. Tiny perforation in sail weaving. Areas of dark patina and toning.