Chinese Export Gilt Brass & Cloisonné Enamel Box, Republic Period c.1900–1920

A Chinese gilt brass box, accented with cloisonné enamel medallions and a floral centerpiece panel. The lid displays vibrant chrysanthemums in blue, white, and yellow against a green ground, framed by engraved floral designs and four cloisonné medallions with stylized symbols. The sides echo the motif with further engraved decoration and medallions. The interior is fitted with a dark wood liner, offering contrast to the bright gilt metal. 

The underside bears the stamped mark CHINA, an important detail that places the box within the era of the McKinley Tariff Act, when all goods entering the United States were required to show their country of origin. Such markings help us date the piece to circa 1900–1920, a time when Chinese artisans were producing decorative works tailored for Western collectors while still preserving traditional enamel techniques.

Beyond its function as a trinket or cigarette box, this piece tells a broader story: the meeting of East and West through global trade, and the survival of cloisonné enamel as a celebrated Chinese art form. Today, it remains both a collectible accent and a conversation piece, reflecting more than a century of cultural exchange.

Condition:
Good, with a natural split to the wood liner and other age-appropriate wear, including surface marks, tarnish, and small enamel losses. Hinges remain functional and the box is stable overall.

Dimensions:
1.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches
Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo