Chinese Blue Enamel on Bronze Cigarette and Match Box Set Critical eye finds to simulate fur

to simulate fur

masterfully executed graphic image

with the dates at lower left

This is a great

suggesting that it was made to hold something fairly precious

Chinese Blue Enamel on Bronze Cigarette and Match Box Set Critical eye finds to simulate furI have found a match of this set being sold only by an Asian antiques specialist (for more than 5x what I am selling them for) the only difference being that that one includes a small tray in addition to the cigarette (or opium) box and match box here. The metal I believe is bronze, with inlaid blue enamel accentuating the details of the koi fish, water, lotus and flowers. The box is lined with the original wood insert, which apparently is quite rare