China, late Qing dynasty (1644-1912) to Republic period (1912-1949). Both made from silver. One of octagonal shape and finely incised on the cover with a beauty reading a book below incised characters, the sides incised with further seal script characters. The second of rectangular shape, the cover with a lengthy inscription, the inside revealing a hidden inkstone and the underside of copper bronze.
Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: French private collection purchased from a local French auction house in 2002.