Palace of Versailles buys Chinese silver ewer in private deal
A rare 17th century Chinese silver ewer has been acquired by the Palace of Versailles in a private treaty sale conducted by the auction firm Beaussant Lefèvre. It is the only known surviving piece of silverware from a lavish diplomatic gift presented to Louis XIV by the King of Siam (Thailand) in 1686.
The engraved and part gilt ewer was discovered by members of the auction house during a valuation an…