Chinese Blue Enamel on Bronze Cigarette and Match Box Set Critical eye finds with the dates at lower

with the dates at lower left

but wonder whether the cast iron balls that comprise his body might be old musket balls (

and I have not found another set out there

suggesting that it was made to hold something fairly precious

each marble is unique

Chinese Blue Enamel on Bronze Cigarette and Match Box Set Critical eye finds with the dates at lowerI have found a match of this set being sold only by an Asian antiques specialist (for more than 5x what I am selling them for) the only difference being that that one includes a small tray in addition to the cigarette (or opium) box and match box here. The metal I believe is bronze, with inlaid blue enamel accentuating the details of the koi fish, water, lotus and flowers. The box is lined with the original wood insert, which apparently is quite rare