拍賣筆記 vol.112 繭山龍泉堂：唐代銀鎏金鏨寶相花紋小蓋盒，10.795萬美元售出 - Mayuyama, A Tang Dynasty small superb and finely decorated parcel-gilt-silver box and cover

爭奪激烈，尺寸雖然只有4.1cm，但是做工極為精細。這類大唐帝國的精品十分罕見，雖然唐代金銀器有存世量，但是這件傳承清晰，做工精良，實屬同類中的佼佼者。

這件的高價售出，也證明瞭在這類金銀其中，尺寸並不是最重要的，相反的，做工、整體的藝術價值、傳承，更為重要。

Tang Dynasty Silver Box_ Art, Provenance, and Auction

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唐 銀局部鎏金鏨寶相花紋小蓋盒

March 18, 09:00 PM HKT

估價：50,000 - 70,000 USD

拍品售出：107,950 USD

出處

繭山龍泉堂，東京，購於1960至1969年之間

日本私人收藏

紐約蘇富比2013年3月19至20日，編號10

戴克成，巴黎，2013年

著錄

《龍泉集芳》，卷2，繭山龍泉堂，東京，1976年，頁46，圖版80

金銀器自古以來便象徵著財富與奢華，歷朝歷代均備受追捧，而唐代尤甚。據史料記載，唐代金銀匠活躍於河南、安徽、江蘇、江西、浙江及廣西等地，當時京城長安（今陝西西安）及其他富庶城鎮、商貿重鎮如江蘇揚州等地，更開設了專門販售金銀器皿的珍寶店鋪。唐代金銀器製作地點廣泛分佈，也因此催生出豐富多樣的器形與風格；其中小巧精緻的金銀盒尤為傑出，常為當時最頂尖工匠精心製作，本件拍品即為代表之一。

品質相當的唐代銀盒，於拍賣市場極為罕見。可比較一例飾有祥禽瑞獸與纏枝紋飾，曾為J.M.A.J. Dawson舊藏，2024年3月19日於本公司拍場售出，編號264；另一例則飾有花鳥紋飾，源自Carl Kempe舊藏，最早於2008年5月14日在本公司倫敦拍場售出（編號42），後於2019年9月12日在紐約佳士得再度拍出（編號544）；第三例為局部鎏金花卉紋銀盒，於2013年9月20日在紐約佳士得拍出（編號1467）。

唐代銀盒專題問答（FAQ）

這件唐代銀盒的尺寸不大，為何仍然意義非凡？

儘管這件局部鎏金寶相花紋銀盒尺寸精巧（直徑僅4.8公分），但因其工藝極為精湛，來源記錄清晰且詳實，充分體現了唐代的藝術水準與奢華風尚，故意義重大。它的高成交價也證明，在珍貴金銀器的收藏領域中，精細的工藝水準、藝術價值及歷史傳承的重要性，遠勝於器物本身的大小。

「局部鎏金」（parcel-gilt）在這個銀盒的語境中是什麼意思？

「局部鎏金」指僅在金屬器物特定區域覆以一層薄金，而非全面鎏金。這種技法突出了銀盒上的特定圖案（例如寶相花紋），形成視覺上的對比，增添美感及藝術層次。

「寶相花」圖案有何寓意？為何在此銀盒上如此重要？

寶相花是一種綜合了多種花卉元素的裝飾圖案，盛行於唐代藝術中，象徵吉祥、美好與繁榮。此銀盒採用此圖案，展現出唐代的審美偏好，同時也反映出當時社會對寓意吉祥和精緻華美的設計特別推崇。

這件銀盒的來源記錄（Provenance）如何體現其歷史與價值？

這件銀盒的來源清晰明確，可追溯至1960-1969年間由東京繭山龍泉堂（Mayuyama & Co.）售出，經歷過日本及歐洲重要私人收藏，並曾出現在2013年紐約蘇富比及巴黎戴克成藝廊（Galerie Christian Deydier）等權威機構。如此完整且可信的收藏履歷，不僅增強其真實性，也提高其收藏吸引力及市場價值。此外，該盒曾刊載於重要出版物《龍泉集芳》（Mayuyama, Seventy Years），更進一步證實其藝術及歷史地位。

透過這篇原始資料，我們對唐代金銀器的生產與交易有何理解？

根據文獻顯示，金銀器在唐代是財富和奢華的顯著象徵，極受當時上層階級的青睞。當時金銀器匠活躍於唐代各地，而以販售珍貴金銀器皿為主的專門店鋪也盛行於長安、揚州等重要城市。這種廣泛的生產與流通，促使金銀器出現豐富多樣的形式與風格，其中尤以小巧精緻的盒子備受推崇，常由當時最優秀的工匠精心製作。

為何品質相當的唐代銀盒在拍賣市場如此罕見？

儘管唐代金銀器生產規模龐大，但存世且品質能與此局部鎏金寶相花紋銀盒相提並論的作品卻極為稀少。文中僅提到近年來市場上出現過少數幾個類似的例子，凸顯出本拍品因其優秀的保存狀態、卓越的工藝水平及明晰的收藏傳承而顯得尤為稀珍。

這件銀盒的工藝與藝術價值，在同類唐代銀器中處於何種地位？

資料強調這件銀盒的工藝「極為精緻」，並稱其為「傑出」且「裝飾細緻」的代表之作，足以稱得上「同類中的佼佼者」。由此可見，打造這件作品的工匠在鏨刻（chasing）和鎏金等技術方面具有非凡造詣，其藝術成就即使放在唐代銀器這一頂級藝術品類別中，仍屬罕見且卓越。

這一件單獨的銀盒，如何加深我們對唐代社會的理解？

這件小巧的銀盒提供了寶貴的歷史視角，反映唐代的財富、藝術水準與文化價值觀。它不僅呈現出唐代精湛的工藝水平和寶相花等圖案的流行，也證實了當時社會對金銀器的高度重視，以及奢侈品市場的繁榮。此外，其清晰的收藏歷史也幫助我們理解後世如何欣賞並延續唐代藝術珍品的價值。

A small superb and finely decorated parcel-gilt-silver box and cover, Tang dynasty

March 18, 09:00 PM HKT

Estimate

50,000 - 70,000 USD

Lot Sold

107,950 USD

Diameter 1⅞ in., 4.8 cm

Provenance

Mayuyama & Co., Ltd, Tokyo, acquired between 1960 and 1969.

Japanese Private Collection.

Sotheby's New York, 19th-20th March 2013, lot 10.

Galerie Christian Deydier, Paris, 2013.

Literature

Mayuyama, Seventy Years, vol. 2, Mayuyama & Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 1976, pl. 80.

Catalogue Note

Gold and silver are eternal symbols of wealth and luxury and have been coveted in every period, but perhaps never more so than among the elites of the Tang dynasty. Gold- and silversmiths are recorded to have been active in Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Guangxi provinces, and precious metal shops selling gold and silver vessels were known to operate in the capital, Chang’an (Xi’an in Shaanxi), as well as several other affluent towns and major trading ports such as Yangzhou in Jiangsu. The wide distribution of manufacturing centers of gold and silver wares in the Tang period gave rise to a wide spectrum of styles, including small delicate boxes, such as the present example, made by the finest hands of the most skillful craftsmen of the period.

Very few silver boxes of a comparable quality have appeared at auction. Compare one decorated with mythical beasts and birds among undulating foliate scrolls, formerly in the collection of J.M.A.J. Dawson, sold in these rooms, 19th March 2024, lot 264; another with birds among floral scrolls, from the Carl Kempe Collection, first sold in our London rooms, 14th May 2008, lot 42 and later at Christie's New York, 12th September 2019, lot 544; and a third decorated in parcel-gilt with a flower design, sold at Christie's New York, 20th September 2013, lot 1467.

FAQ on the Tang Dynasty Silver Box

What is the significance of this Tang Dynasty silver box, despite its small size?

Despite its modest dimensions (4.8 cm diameter), this parcel-gilt silver box with a treasure-flower (寶相花) design is highly significant due to its exquisite craftsmanship, well-documented provenance, and representation of the opulence and artistry of the Tang Dynasty. Its high sale price demonstrates that in the realm of such precious metalwork, the quality of execution, overall artistic merit, and historical lineage outweigh mere size.

What does the phrase "parcel-gilt" mean in the context of this silver box?

"Parcel-gilt" refers to a technique where only certain areas of a metal object, in this case a silver box, are gilded (covered with a thin layer of gold). This selective application of gold highlights specific design elements, such as the treasure-flower motif, adding visual contrast and enhancing the beauty of the piece.

What does the "treasure-flower" (寶相花) motif signify and why is it important on this box?

The treasure-flower, or baoxianghua, is a composite floral motif popular in Chinese art, particularly during the Tang Dynasty. It often incorporates elements from various flowers and is associated with auspiciousness, beauty, and prosperity. Its presence on this finely crafted silver box reflects the era's aesthetic preferences and the symbolic value placed on ornate and auspicious designs.

What does the provenance of this silver box tell us about its history and value?

The documented provenance, tracing the box from Mayuyama & Co. in Tokyo (acquired between 1960 and 1969) through Japanese and European private collections, and appearances at Sotheby's New York in 2013 and Galerie Christian Deydier in Paris, establishes a clear and reputable history for the piece. This unbroken chain of ownership enhances its authenticity, desirability among collectors, and ultimately its market value. Its inclusion in the publication "龍泉集芳" (Mayuyama, Seventy Years) further attests to its recognized quality and historical importance.

What does the source material reveal about the production and trade of gold and silver wares during the Tang Dynasty?

The text indicates that gold and silver were potent symbols of wealth and luxury highly sought after by the Tang elite. Gold- and silversmiths were active in various regions across the Tang empire, and specialized shops selling these precious metal vessels existed in major urban centers like Chang'an and Yangzhou. This widespread production led to a diversity of forms and styles, with small, delicate boxes being particularly prized and crafted by the most skilled artisans.

Why are comparable Tang Dynasty silver boxes considered rare in the auction market?

Despite the historical production of Tang Dynasty gold and silver wares, surviving examples of comparable quality to this parcel-gilt treasure-flower box are scarce on the auction market. The text mentions only a few other examples that have appeared in recent years, highlighting the exceptional nature and rarity of this particular piece due to its condition, craftsmanship, and provenance.

What can we infer about the craftsmanship and artistic value of this silver box compared to other Tang Dynasty silver pieces?

The description emphasizes the "extremely fine workmanship" and labels this box as a "superb" and "finely decorated" example, positioning it as a "leader among its kind." This suggests that the artisans who created this piece possessed exceptional skill in techniques such as chasing (鏨) and gilding, resulting in a high level of artistic merit that distinguishes it even within the esteemed category of Tang Dynasty silverwork.

How does this single artifact contribute to our understanding of the Tang Dynasty?

This small silver box offers valuable insights into the wealth, artistic sophistication, and cultural values of the Tang Dynasty. It exemplifies the high standards of craftsmanship achieved during this period, the popularity of specific decorative motifs like the treasure-flower, the importance placed on precious metals, and the existence of a thriving market for luxury goods. Its well-documented history further illuminates the journey and appreciation of such artifacts through subsequent eras.