Silver Filigree Jewelry Box with Enamel Motifs of Bat and Beveled Corners

The box has a silver body and a pair of gilt copper handles. Each side is outlined with stained glass and is decorated with reserved panels. Inside the reserved panel are silver filigree leaves and enameled flowers and animals. Interestingly, the four corners of the box lid has carved motifs of squirrels. An enameling design of "five bats supporting longevity" (wufu pengshou) is inlaid in the center. The box is exquisitely fashioned as a masterpiece of silver filigree. Even minute details are carefully treated which tells us that it is the work of a skillful hand. With its sumptuous style and consummate craftsmanship, it is thought to have been used by high ranking court ladies such as the empress or honorable consorts.