Two Chinese Hardstone-mounted Pewter Covered Serving Dishes, late 19th/early 20th century, one round with domed lid, the handle a fruiting fig branch embellished with amethyst, carnelian, and other semi-precious stones; dragon head handles and calligraphic inscriptions ornament the vessel; the other oblong: the neck of a sculpted representation of a crane, with carnelian cabochon set in the stylized lotus held in it's beak, serves as handle; the tapered sides of the vessel likewise inscribed; nephrite-mounted dragon handles, key-fret meander bands and brass wire borders add further detail. Both with liners and struck in several places with factory marks.

Round Height 6 in. Width 8.25 in. Depth 7 in. Oblong Height 6 in. Width 10.5 in. Depth 6 in.

Provenance: Estate of Linda Loring, Louisburg Square, Boston

Note: such three-part dishes were capable of serving warm or cold foods heated sand, stones, or water, or alternatively, snow or ice could be used to effect as wished.

Items may have wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Please contact the gallery for further details prior to bidding. Any condition statement given as a courtesy should not be treated as fact.