Late 19th Century Brass Opium Tray With Engraved Courtyard and Women, Late Qing Dynasty

Details

Description

Offered is a mid to late 19th Century - Qing Dynasty - square opium tray with vertical scalloped rim and … Read more Offered is a mid to late 19th Century - Qing Dynasty - square opium tray with vertical scalloped rim and recessed corners, made of Paktong Brass ("white copper", a metal alloy). The inner surface is incised/etched with two ladies, possibly noblewomen, standing before a house courtyard with a mountainous background. Beautiful displayed on a wall or console, fabulous to use on a bar or dresser.

Measures 8.125" x 8.125" x .5" high at rim

A bit of the history:
In the late 19th century, Chinese brassware was crafted for both domestic and international markets, blending traditional artistry with export demand. The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 required that goods imported into the United States be marked with their country of origin, leading to the appearance of “CHINA” stamps on exported items. These brass trays often featured detailed engravings depicting scenes from Chinese culture, reflecting the skill of artisans from regions like Guangdong and Jiangxi.
This late 19th-century Paktong brass tray is a finely crafted example of Chinese export metalwork. The tray’s surface features a delicately engraved scene of two women in traditional Qing Dynasty attire, possibly noblewomen or members of the court, depicted in a tranquil garden setting. Their hairstyles and robes reflect the elegance associated with leisure and refinement. The background includes bamboo plants, clouds, flowering bushes, and a geometric-patterned fence, suggesting an enclosed courtyard.
The symbolism within the design is rich in cultural meaning. Bamboo represents resilience, strength, and integrity, while the cloud motifs are traditional symbols of good fortune and longevity. The serene depiction of the women captures themes of femininity and aristocratic life during the late Qing period. Trays of this type were sometimes part of opium-smoking sets, reflecting the social practices and customs of the era. See less