Hand-Hammered Silver Repoussé Trinket Box with Primate Motif

This is an oval-shaped metal box, likely crafted from silver or silver-plated brass, featuring a highly ornate repoussé lid. The central decorative motif depicts two primates (possibly apes or monkeys) in a dynamic, mirrored pose amidst stylized foliage and branches. The high-relief work shows significant depth and craftsmanship, with fine chiseled textures representing fur and the veins of leaves. The background is finished with a stippled or punch-work texture, a common technique to provide contrast to the raised figures. The box is handheld in scale, estimated at 4-5 inches in length. In terms of condition, there is a visible aged patina, with dark oxidation settled into the recessed areas, which serves to enhance the three-dimensional detail. Small surface scratches and minor indentations are present, consistent with regular handling and age. The construction suggests a late 19th or early 20th-century origin, potentially of South Asian or Burmese 'Shan' style where such high-relief primate motifs are common. No maker's marks are visible on the exterior, but the quality of the repoussé work indicates a skilled artisan.