Large Gold-washed Chinese Silver Model of a Scene at a Gate

Description:

Large Gold-washed Chinese Silver Model of a Scene at a Gate, late 19th/early 20th century, depicting a gate with a three-tiered roof structure with pair of dragons to ridgeline and dolphins to peaks, with chased and embossed panels of battle scenes, writhing dragons, and deities within running vine borders, centered by an enamel-accented hanging pendant hung from dragon masks and suspending fine wirework tassels, raised on three pierced and engraved foliate decorated columns on spreading and stepped bases, on elongated oval base with engraved ground, with pierced gallery, mounted with small male and female figures, and four rearing horses, the whole with leaftip rim, and mounted on a conforming carved wood base with side lifting handles, total ht. 26 3/4, total wd. approx. 20, total dp. approx. 12 1/2 in.
Estimate $8,000-12,000

tarnish. light bends and fraying to wirework of tassles of central enameled element. the pieces sits atop the wooden base, and is removeable. Underside with two large engraved maker's marks "LC", and showing some tightening of nuts on bolts, and one soldered bolt. minor age wear.