A SILVER AND SPINACH-GREEN JADE BUTTER TEA SET
Tibet, 19th century. The silver stand with the lobed saucer atop, embossed with a dense composition of blossoming flowers, Buddhist treasures, and a diaper-pattern band, encompassing an unusual spinach-green jade cup of translucent quality which when not being held against the light appears to be of an almost black color. The four-level tiered cover, beautifully engraved and embossed with flowers, Buddhist elements, Buddhist lions and dragons in high relief as well as a diaper-pattern band, surmounted by a glass knob, in imitation of jade.

Condition: Very good condition, the silver shows surface wear, nicks, and slight warping.
Provenance: The collection of The Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above. Dr. István Zelnik, President of the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute, is a former high-ranking Hungarian diplomat who spent several decades in Southeast Asia, building the largest known private collection of Asian art in Europe.

Weight: 322 g
Dimensions: Height 17.3 cm, Diameter 10.4 cm (Jade cup), 12.1 cm (Saucer)