The cylindrical box decorated with a band of dense vines issuing blossoms and framed within key-fret bands, the decoration repeated to the domed cover and with a bud-shaped finial surrounded by lotus petals, all with copper, silver, and gilt details. The interior of the box covered with a thin copper sheet.

Provenance: From a private collection in Kent, United Kingdom. The base with an old label 'Z Y Kent. Tibetan silver, gold and copper inlaid iron. 16th/17th century'.
Condition: Good condition with old wear, manufacturing flaws, small nicks, light scratches, minor dents, minor losses to inlays, few small cracks to the inner rim of the cover. The wood base with some wear and a small loss to one foot.

Weight: 444.2 g
Dimensions: Diameter 8.9 cm

With an associated carved and lacquered wood base, dating to the earlier 20th century. (2)

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby's London, 31 May 2011, lot 81
Estimate: GBP 20,000 or approx. EUR 38,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gold and silver-decorated iron container, Tibet, 16th-17th century
Expert remark: Compare the related cylindrical form, silver and gold decoration, and dense patterns. Note the size (9.5 cm).