ANTIQUE 19thC RARE CHINESE EXPORT SOLID SILVER LARGE GOBLET, SUN SHING c.1870
19th Century Chinese Export Silver Goblet, of typical bell form, large size and parcel gilt, the body is profusely and beautifully decorated in relief with a blossoming tree, the stem naturalistically modelled like a tree. Hallmarked Chinese Export silver (900+ silver standard), Maker's mark S.S and character mark for Sun Shing.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A2811
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Goblet, of typical bell form, large size and parcel gilt, the body is profusely and beautifully decorated in relief with a blossoming tree, the stem naturalistically modelled like a tree.
The most usual floral pattern in Chinese silver is plum tree, but this particular design seems to represent a crab-apple tree (or malus, or wild apple, Haitang in Chinese), particularly loved and appreciated in China (please follow this link).
The front bears a shield with an original memorial inscription "Presented to Serg.t J. F. Pegg by the Serg.ts of N.8 Batty 2nd Bde R.A. as a mark of esteem, Hong Kong Nov 1870". The inscription proves and early date and an important military provenence, a Hong Kong concession rate for the same year mention the same Sergeant J.F. Pegg and was recently sold for over £13,000 (please follow this link).
The base is Hallmarked Chinese Export silver (acid tested shows a 900+ silver standard), Maker's mark S.S and character mark for Sun Shing, one of the first silversmiths operating in Canton and later in Hong Kong and considered one of the true master silversmiths of the Chinese Export silver period (please see A. Von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940, 4th edition 2015). This particular goblet obviously dates before year 1870.
CONDITION
In Excellent condition - No damage, just general wear.
SIZE
Hight: 18.2cm
Width: 9.7cm
Silver Weight: 340g