ANTIQUE 19thC CHINESE EXPORT TU MAO XING SOLID SILVER DRAGON TEA SET c.1890

DESCRIPTION

Antique 19th Century Chinese Export solid silver four piece tea set, comprising of teapot, tea caddy, sugar bowl and milk jug, each spherical body is beautifully embossed with dragons chasing the flaming pearl of wisdom on hand hammered surface, each piece rests on a decorative skirted foot and applied with an intricately modeled dragon handles, outstanding quality. All the dragons have five claws, symbol of Imperial power and Chinese characters to the lid of the tea caddy. The way the sugar bowl and cream jug are made, suggests they never had lids as its often the case that Chinese sugar bowls and in some cases cream jugs are often covered. 

Hallmarked Chinese Export silver (tested 900+ standard), Maker's mark in Chinese for Tu Mao Xing, active in Jiǔjiāng, Jiangxi Province, from 1880 until 1930. This mark has been wrongly identified as Han Mao Hsing by Crosby Forbes and Kernan. The silversmith is considered one of best Chinese Export names (please see A. Von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940, 4th edition 2015). Professor Von Ferscht correctly identified the mark and considers Tu Mao Xing one of the first silversmiths operating in Jiǔjiāng and an authentic "master of dragon-making". Tu Mao Xing (previously known as Han Mao Hsing) his silver creations have made some of the highest auction results. Also hallmarked with later Finnish import marks, the set was probably presented to a finish consulate or a diplomat.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

TEAPOT
Height: 14cm
Width: 20 x 12cm
Weight: 315g

TEA CADDY
Height: 13cm
Width: 11cm
Weight: 160g

SUGAR BOWL
Height: 8cm
Width: 15 x 9cm
Weight: 125g

CREAM JUG
Height: 7cm
Width: 13 x 9cm
Weight: 95g