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Brunei Silver Canister - Unknown Marks ( South & SE Asia ) - PD Props - Jul 10, 2016 (03:25 PM)
- Re: Brunei Silver Canister - Unknown Marks - Bill H - Jul 21, 2016 (02:51 AM)

Subject:Brunei Silver Canister - Unknown Marks
Posted By: PD Props Sun, Jul 10, 2016 IP: 24.212.205.144

It has taken a few months, but I have finally identified the country of origin for this little gem.

The bottom of the canister is marked with "(AL)" parenthesis included, with another symbol in a rectangle.

The example I found is marked "AH SG" and appears to be later than mine (the seller says early to mid 20th CE, it also lacks the secondary mark of what appears to be two figures embracing (although it could be any number of other things).

The motif is known as bunga air mulih meaning "flower water plant" which grow around kampung ayer (water villages).

I have tried contacting the Brunei Ministry of Crafts, but they don't seem to have an email. The Brunei National Museum website seems to have been shut down, and Google only lists a telephone number (unfortunately, I don't quite know enough Bahasa Malay to hold anything beyond a very basic conversation, and only if they want to talk about food or buses). Brunei does have an embassy here in Canada, but they've not responded to my email yet.

Hoping some of you amazing silver enthusiasts might be able to shed some more light.

With every best wish,

Link :Brunei Silver Canister - Lg versions

Subject:Re: Brunei Silver Canister - Unknown Marks
Posted By: Bill H Thu, Jul 21, 2016

For what it's worth, here's a Vietnamese silver cigarette box that bears more than a passing resemblance to yours. This one dates from circa the third quarter of the 20th century and stands about 3.25 inches high, or just about right for a pack of Melia Jaunes. The decoration on it features the acanthus leaf scroll I believe. The acanthus leaf had been a feature of ancient Mediterranean architecture and is said by some sources to have been introduced to Chinese decorative arts through design books carried by Italian Jesuits at the Qing Court during the early 18th century.

Best regards,

Bill H.

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