Hand-Chased Floral Repoussé Sterling Silver Pill Box
Small Decorative Object / Pill Box · Likely Thai or Southeast Asian Silversmith (unbranded); often produced by regional workshops in Chiang Mai or similar craft hubs known for high-relief repoussé work.
Pattern: Traditional Floral and Foliage Repoussé motif, often referred to as 'Thai Flower' or 'Lotus' variation in the trade.
Type
Small Decorative Object / Pill Box
Maker
Likely Thai or Southeast Asian Silversmith (unbranded); often produced by regional workshops in Chiang Mai or similar craft hubs known for high-relief repoussé work.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver (.800-.900). Many pieces from this region vary between 80% and 95% silver content.
Dimensions
Estimated at 3.5cm x 3.5cm x 1.5cm (approx. 1.4 inches square). Estimated weight is 15-25 grams depending on metal gauge and if the base is weighted (unlikely for this type).
Description
This charming square silver pill box features a dense, high-relief floral arrangement on the top cover. Executed in the traditional repoussé style, the design pops from a textured background, framed by a delicate beaded border. The sides are smooth and polished, providing a clean contrast to the ornate top. It represents a functional piece of portable art, showcasing the silversmith's ability to manipulate flat sheet metal into a three-dimensional garden.
Key Features
High-relief floral center, stippled ground for visual contrast, square form with softened edges, and traditional hand-tooled execution.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver (.800-.900). Many pieces from this region vary between 80% and 95% silver content.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé floral design on the lid with a stippled or textured ground. The border features a beaded or 'perlé' frame. The finish is naturally oxidized in the recesses to highlight the depth of the metalwork.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No marks visible in image. These items are frequently stamped '925', 'Sterling', or 'T.925' on the underside or interior rim. If unmarked, silver content must be verified via XRF or acid test.
Construction Details
Constructed from two main parts: a hollow-formed base and a hinged or friction-fit lid. The lid decoration is hand-hammered (repoussé) from the reverse side and chased from the front.
Functional Features
Small friction-fit or hinged closure designed for the secure transport of pills, mints, or stamps. Rounded corners for comfortable pocket or purse carry.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; the slightly overhanging lip of the lid serves as the grip for opening.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidently hand-wrought rather than die-struck, indicated by the slight irregularities in the floral petals and the non-uniform spacing of the background stippling.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic stippling and 'roundness' of the repoussé work consistent with Southeast Asian export silver. Wear patterns on the edges are consistent with a soft metal like silver. Authenticity requires checking for a '925' stamp inside.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin is likely Thailand (the style is highly characteristic of Thai silver work). Manufactured in a small workshop using traditional hand-tooling methods.
Era & Period
Contemporary or Late 20th Century Folk Art style, continuing a long tradition of Southeast Asian metalwork.
Age Estimate
Late 20th century to modern era (c. 1970 - present). The lack of heavy architectural wear and the specific stippling pattern suggest a more recent manufacture.
Cultural Significance
Represents the persistence of hand-tooling techniques in the modern age, serving as a bridge between traditional religious metalwork and contemporary functional accessories.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. There is visible surface tarnish and light 'pocket wear' scratches. No significant dents or structural deformations visible on the lid. The patina in the recesses is intentional but has thickened over time.
Value Estimate
$30 - $65 USD. Value is driven by silver weight and the charm of the hand-worked design rather than maker prestige.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft horsehair brush and warm soapy water to remove dust from recesses. Use a silver polishing cloth only on the highlighted raised surfaces to maintain the 'antique' contrast provided by the oxidation in the background.
Similar Pieces
Victorian English pill boxes (cleaner engraving, thinner gauge), Mexican sterling boxes (often more geometric or featuring turquoise), and Chinese export silver (often featuring dragons or bamboo motifs).
Interesting Facts
This style of silver work, known as 'Sreang' in some regions, was traditionally used for betel nut containers before being adapted for Western-style pill and stamp boxes for the tourist and export markets.