The Hmong are a fiercely independent mountain dwelling people found throughout SE Asia and southern China and were renowned for their silversmith skills and unique designs. They were the first hill tribe group to successfully cultivate opium, which provided the income to amass silver and fashion it into adornments and objects of utility such as this charming medicine box. Today, new Hmong jewelry is made from aluminium, silver plate, as well as alloys. The superior workmanship and charm of objects made in the 19th and early 20th centuries is abundantly apparent.
Reference: Paul & Elaine Lewis, Peoples of the Golden Triangle p.66
Characteristics
Width: 7.5cm, 2 in
Height: 6cm, 2 in
Weight: 82 grams / 3oz.
Period: 19th century
Provenance: Luang Prabang, Laos
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