.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Superb Honorific Decoration of Jewel Quality in 23-Carat Gold – “Kim Bai” Awarded by Emperor Bao Dai (1 August 1939)
This exceptional set comprises a first-class Kim Bai double-sided plaque in gold (weight: 40.5 g).
The rectangular jewel is framed by a geometric border. At its center appears a raised decoration of dragons on a textured ground. The piece features a smooth rectangular cartouche bearing four characters in relief in Sino-Vietnamese script on each side. The inscriptions translate (subject to confirmation) as:
'Imperial Gift of Dai Nam' on one side
'Loyal Service to Bao Dai' on the reverse
The top of the ornament is finished with a trilobed relief, from which a long hook is suspended via three gold wire filigrees, secured by two openwork beads.
Dimensions: 91 mm x 46 mm
The jewel is presented in its original silver case (height: 38 mm; width: 170 mm; depth: 100 mm; gross weight: 331 g), executed in repoussé relief with an imperial dragon motif of remarkable refinement. The textured background, irregular in appearance, indicates traditional hand-punched craftsmanship.
The edges of the lid are decorated with turtle, dragon, phoenix, and qilin motifs. At the center of the lid is a cartouche with four characters arranged in a diamond pattern, translatable as:
'Made under Bao Dai' in Sino-Vietnamese script.
The smooth base of the case bears a workshop hallmark. Such prestigious cases are extremely rare—likely rarer than the decoration itself—and this example is preserved in outstanding condition with exceptional finishing.
We would like to thank Mr. Gilles Sigro-Peyrousère for his assistance with the appraisal and cataloguing of this lot.
This exceptional set comprises a first-class Kim Bai double-sided plaque in gold (weight: 40.5 g).
The rectangular jewel is framed by a geometric border. At its center appears a raised decoration of dragons on a textured ground. The piece features a smooth rectangular cartouche bearing four characters in relief in Sino-Vietnamese script on each side. The inscriptions translate (subject to confirmation) as:
'Imperial Gift of Dai Nam' on one side
'Loyal Service to Bao Dai' on the reverse
The top of the ornament is finished with a trilobed relief, from which a long hook is suspended via three gold wire filigrees, secured by two openwork beads.
Dimensions: 91 mm x 46 mm
The jewel is presented in its original silver case (height: 38 mm; width: 170 mm; depth: 100 mm; gross weight: 331 g), executed in repoussé relief with an imperial dragon motif of remarkable refinement. The textured background, irregular in appearance, indicates traditional hand-punched craftsmanship.
The edges of the lid are decorated with turtle, dragon, phoenix, and qilin motifs. At the center of the lid is a cartouche with four characters arranged in a diamond pattern, translatable as:
'Made under Bao Dai' in Sino-Vietnamese script.
The smooth base of the case bears a workshop hallmark. Such prestigious cases are extremely rare—likely rarer than the decoration itself—and this example is preserved in outstanding condition with exceptional finishing.
We would like to thank Mr. Gilles Sigro-Peyrousère for his assistance with the appraisal and cataloguing of this lot.