Porcelain oriental box W/ sterling silver trim and medallions

[weclybecky]

Hi, I'm new. I have a question about an antique oriental box I bought. It is old, crazed procelain, trimmed on the sides, top and bottom with sterling silver bands and medallions. It is blue and white in color. There are scenes of Chinese men on the top, inside the lid and inside the bottom of the box. Also there are similiar figure and the edges of the box. The bottom of the box is completely covere in Sterling silver and is stamped with a large and a small stamp written in Chinese. The box is made in a fan shape. It is 5 1'2" wide across the top of the fan from tip tp tip and 1 1/2" deep. My question is--What is it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!! Thanks

[chinese antiques]

Sounds like a Chinese shard box

[KC]

Shard boxes lids were originally made from pieces of boken old Chinese porcelain (plates, jars, bowls, vases, decorative pieces, etc). The shape of the broken pieces determined the shape and size of the box. Thus all of the boxes are different.  They are still made like that today because of their popularity.  Traditionally used for decor, storage and most commonly used for jewelry.