The Year of the Dragon
November 7, 2024
Every year as the Lunar New Year approaches I try
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A very early Chinese Export silver presentation bowl.
Early pieces of Chinese Export were copies of western pieces.
This bowl is a very good example decorated as it is with acanthus leaves – which symbolise enduring life and are often seen on the top of Corinthian columns – and is very heavy.
Early pieces of Chinese Export silver were much heavier than their Western counterparts. The silversmiths were paid by weight and only a small percentage for craftsmanship.
What is extra special about this bowl is the pseudo hallmarks seen on the base. The early Chinese silversmiths copied everything – down to those funny little marks on the back.
A piece for the collector.
Every year as the Lunar New Year approaches I try
A sauce boat, gravy boat, or saucière is a low