Tang Dynasty|Formed as a hinged clam-shell finely chased with foliate quatrefoils and leafy tendrils, all reserved on a ring-punched ground, Japanese wood box. 6.8cm (2 5/8in) wide. (3).|唐 銀蔓草紋蛤形盒Silver boxes in the form of clam shells were an innovation of the Tang dynasty and were used to hold cosmetic powder. Compare a similar silver shell-shaped box and cover, late Tang – Song dynasty, of similar form but decorated with birds perched on curling tendrils, illustrated by B.Gyllensvärd in Chinese Gold, Silver and Porcelain: The Kempe Collection, New York, 1971, p.61, no.62. A related silver clam-shell box and cover, Tang dynasty, was sold at Sotheby's London, 13 May 2015, lot 16.