ANTIQUE 19thC CHINESE EXPORT SOLID SILVER DRAGON TEA SET, LUEN WO c.1890
Reference Number: A8144
19th Century Chinese silver three piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug and later added sugar tongs, each melon shaped body applied with exquisite chrysanthemum flowers in relief, spout, handle and feet modelled as a bamboo branch and lids mounted with a melon vine. Comes in its original wooden box with brass mounted handle.
Hallmarked Chinese Export 90, Maker's mark in Chinese and Retailers mark LW for Luen Wo.
DESCRIPTION
Antique late-19th Century Chinese export solid silver three piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug and later added sugar tongs, each melon shaped body applied with exquisite chrysanthemum flowers in relief, spout, handle and feet modelled as a bamboo branch and lids mounted with a melon vine. Comes in its original wooden box with brass mounted handle. Hallmarked Chinese Export 90 (tested 900+ standard), Maker's mark in Chinese and Retailers mark LW for Luen Wo (active 1880-1940)
Luen Wo was a very important retail silversmith based in Shanghai, he also traded in jewellery, diamonds and embroideries. His artworks show a very high quality that only equals the standards of Wang Hing, in Canton.
Luen Wo was very productive and relied on a large number of designers and artisans, such as Ning Zhao Ji. His items generally bear the mark with his full name or the initials LW and the mark of the artisan who realised the piece.
The firm mainly produced items in the traditional Chinese style, featuring classical motifs such as bamboo leaves, prunus blossoms, chrysanthemums and dragons but, especially after 1880, he is recorded as having also made Peranakan-style items.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
TEAPOT
Height: 10cm
Width: 24 x 15cm
Weight: 510g
SUGAR BOWL
Height: 6.5cm
Width: 15 x 11cm
Weight: 200g
CREAM JUG
Height: 6.5cm
Width: 14 x 10cm
Weight: 170g
SUGAR TONGS
Height: 10.5cm
Weight: 30g