Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A set of six traditional Korean spoons featuring intricate 'Chilbo' cloisonné enamel handles with an elegant iris floral motif. The set is housed in its original silk-lined presentation box and bears the 'Made in Korea' mark with the Taegeuk symbol.
Story
In the 1970s and 1980s, South Korean artisans revived the ancient 'Chilbo' (Seven Jewels) enameling tradition to create prestigious presentation items for diplomatic and wedding gifts.
Maker / Origin
Produced by specialized mid-century Korean silversmithing workshops, these sets were crafted to represent longevity, balance, and good news through motifs like the iris. South Korea; South Korea
Condition & Value
The presence of original plastic sleeves indicates 'new old stock' preservation, protecting the fragile glass enamel from chips, while natural tarnish on the exposed spoon verifies the silver composition. The set appears to be in excellent vintage condition with the original protective plastic sleeves still on five of the spoons.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Direct one-to-one comparable sales for this specific iris-motif set configuration are sparse (0/3). However, the broader market for comparable mid-century 70% silver Korean Chilbo sets is well-documented and provides a strong valuation baseline. Valuation for these sets is primarily determined by total silver weight and the condition of the delicate true cloisonné enameling. Single AG 700+999 spoons consistently trade between $115 and $195, while complete boxed sets of similar purity realize between $145 and $420 depending on overall mass and piece count. A comparable pure .999 silver 6-piece set realized $850, establishing a strict ceiling for items with lower 70% purity bodies. Because this set retains its protective sleeves—indicating unchipped, pristine enamel—it commands a collector's premium over baseline scrap silver, placing it squarely in the mid-to-upper tier for mid-century sets.
▲ Original presentation box and plastic sleeves indicating 'new old stock' (uncirculated) condition
▲ Solid silver composition (AG 700 body) establishing a high intrinsic precious metal baseline
▲ Intricate Chilbo (true cloisonné) enamel handles featuring the traditional iris motif
▲ Dual hallmarks (misread as '70% + 49%', functionally 'AG 700 + 999') confirming high-purity enamel bases
▼ The exact weight of the set is undocumented; secondary market value for flatware scales linearly with silver mass
▼ Lack of a specific maker's mark or signed workshop limits any fine-art attribution premium
Best Venue
eBay or specialist Asian decorative arts online auctions
Upside Potential
If the set is unusually heavy (exceeding 200 grams total) or contains more than six spoons, the combined silver melt floor and collector premium will push the value toward the $400-$450 range.