Huang Qiu Ji

(Active circa 1850 - 1925)

Huang Qiu Ji was an important silversmith in Shanghai and Beijing, whose outstanding enamel silver works had left a significant mark in Chinese silver design. According to Chinese Export Silver expert Adrien Von Ferscht, Huang Qiu Ji  (original Cantonese name is Wong Kau Gei)  is considered to be one of the most favoured Chinese silver marks nowadays (A. Von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940, 4th edition 2015). 

Alongside Huang Qiu Ji's popularity amongst a Western audience, his baluster vases, bowls and jars applied with traditional champlevè enamelwork were highly in demand with the prominent Chinese nobility. It is strongly believed that Huang Qiu Ji was an enameller for the Imperial Court.  

Huang Qiu Ji’s artworks are lavishly decorated with traditional Chinese floral motifs, such as chrysanthemums, prunus, cherry blossoms in Huang Qiu Ji signature blue, pink, green and yellow enamels.

Pieces hallmarked only with Huang Qiu Ji’s mark are a true find, since usually his works were produced in collaboration with several significant Chinese retailers, such as Woshing, Wang Hing, Poh Hing and Chong Woo, and marked accordingly.

Huang Qiu Ji’s silver and enamel works are some of the most sought after in the Chinese antique silver markets due to their excellent workmanship and their rarity.