Of circular form, finely decorated to the tiered cover with concentric bands of bajixiang, dragons, floral scroll, and lappets, all encircling a central turquoise inlay, and to the box with auspicious symbols, all amid leaf scrolling vines, the flat base incised with a double vajra encircled by overlapping petals. The box and cover connected by a hinge to one side, the other with two loop handles and a fitting that allow the box to be locked.

Provenance: From an Austrian private collection.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear, manufacturing irregularities, traces of use, few dents, small nicks, and light scratches.

Weight: 602 g
Dimensions: Diameter 17.4 cm

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related betel nut box, Tibet, 19th century, 15.3 cm diameter, in the Cleveland Museum of Art, accession number 1919.570.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's Paris, 12 December 2018, lot 186
Price: EUR 11,250 or approx. EUR 13,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An inlaid parcel-gilt silver box and cover, Bhutan, 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related circular form and decoration with similar repousse work, hinge and lock, and central turquoise inlay. Note the closely related size (17.5 cm).