DESCRIPTION

Antique 19th Century extremely rare Chinese solid silver & enamel pair of tea cups and saucers, the sides are applied with cloisonne enamel, depicting chrysanthemum flowers. The tea cups are of good traditional size and features stunning workmenship. Although the silver is not hallmarked (tested 900+ standard), this kind of quality of enamel can only be attributed to Huang Qiu Ji (active in Shanghai & Beijing, 1850-1925). Huang Qiu Ji was a manufacturing silversmith but is noted for his exceptional enamel on silver work. His reputation is at the top of the list; there are many that hold the belief he was a producer of enamel work for the Imperial Court. It is rare to find the Huang Qiu Ji mark alone, but it does happen. Usually, his mark appears alongside a mark of a retail silversmith. Wo Shing, Wang Hing, Poh Hing [Po Shing] and Chong Woo are four of the most notable 19th century retail silversmiths that regularly created works in conjunction with Huang Qiu Ji.

A floral subject is almost always the theme. Blues, greens, pinks and yellow are the colours Huang Qiu Ji favored. With current Chinese collectors, there is a particular preference for any Chinese silver that has enamelled colour applied. This is not dissimilar to Chinese preferences at the time this tea set was made at the end of the 19th century. For more information please see A. Von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940, 4th edition 2015.

CONDITION

In Excellent Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

Height: 4cm
Width: 9cm
Combined Weight: 265g

REFERENCE NUMBER: A5182