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

DESCRIPTION

Antique 19th Century Chinese Export solid silver three piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl and milk jug, each spherical body is beautifully applied with dragons chasing the flaming pearl of wisdom, 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. The way the sugar bowl and cream jug are made, suggests they never had lids as its often the case that Chinese sugar bowl are often covered. 

All pieces Hallmarked Chinese Export silver (acid tested shows a 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". Please follow this link and this link for more information. 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. 

TEAPOT

Height: 15cm
Width: 24.5 x 15cm

SUGAR BOWL

Height: 9cm
Width: 18 x 11cm

CREAM JUG

Height: 9cm
Width: 13 x 9cm 

TOTAL WEIGHT: 1260g