Fabulous Chinese engraved metal box. By all searches I have done it appears to be a lead inkstone box, ink stones are use in traditional calligraphy the stone is ground and water added to make an ink like substance. The metal is soft and mailable also marks with just a finger nail (very small test to base only) so 99% sure it is lead The engraving is a scene of trees mountains and a man sitting in a junk. Can not be absolutely sure of age but by the tag on the base it was sold in the late 60s or very early 70s, translation of the tag says "tin or box silver or tin" not much else. Don't seem to be able to get a translation for the markings on the front sorry... Beautifully made, the lid fits all but perfectly but with its age and being made of soft lead it has some misalignments but only minor in nature.

Have done my best to put pics to give a good idea. It is basically 16.2cms long by 6.5cms at widest point and 3cms high. The insert is a piece of what looks like card covered in red silk. A very nice piece to handle and just feels like it has some history.

CONTACT AND PAYMENT MUST BE MADE WITHIN 24HRS OF AUCTION CLOSING.