A rare small gold repoussé 'butterfly' box and cover, Seal mark and period of Qianlong | 清乾隆 金鏨蝴蝶紋小蓋盒 《乾隆年製》款

This exquisite box captures the delicacy and femininity of its owner through the butterflies and flower heads that flutter against an intricate ground of tiny stamped circles. The form and decorative techniques of the box appear to have been inspired by small gold reliquary boxes of the Tang dynasty. The butterflies and prunus blossoms decorating this box symbolise blessings, happiness and longevity.