Gold Kim Boi, Vietnam, early 20th century Oval and poly-lobed in shape, this decoration was created by the ordinance of the 1st year of Thành Thai (1889), and was intended exclusively for women. It consists of two gold plates with repoussé decoration of two phoenixes facing each other, with the sacred pearl at the top. They frame a rectangle inscribed with the characters 瓊瑤永好 (Quỳnh dao vĩnh hảo), which can be translated as: "May jade and ruby shine for eternity" or, more poetically, "This object, precious as jade and ruby, symbolizes an eternal bond". On the reverse of the plaque is another inscription in Chinese characters: 維新年造 (Duy Tân niên tạo), which can be translated as "made under the Duy Tân era". This is the reign name of Emperor Duy Tân (1907-1916), indicating that this work was produced during his reign, which makes it possible to date it with relative precision. PB. 16.6 g - Dim. 6 x 4.5 cm