Two Chinese Hardstone-mounted Pewter Covered Serving Dishes, late 19th/early 20th century, one round with domed lid, the handle a fruiting fig branch embellished with amethyst, carnelian, and other semi-precious stones; dragon head handles and calligraphic inscriptions ornament the vessel; the other oblong:  the neck of a sculpted representation of a crane, with carnelian cabochon set in the stylized lotus held in it’s beak, serves as handle; the tapered sides of the vessel likewise inscribed; nephrite-mounted dragon handles, key-fret meander bands and brass wire borders add further detail. Both with liners and struck in several places with factory marks.

Round Height 6 in. Width 8.25 in. Depth 7 in. Oblong Height 6 in. Width 10.5 in. Depth 6 in.

Provenance: Estate of Linda Loring, Louisburg Square, Boston

Note:  such three-part dishes were capable of serving warm or cold foods heated sand, stones, or water, or alternatively, snow or ice could be used to effect as wished.