Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How do you identify Chinese silver?

1 Answer
How do you identify Chinese silver?
To identify Chinese silver, first look for hallmarks in an inconspicuous area, such as on the bottom or interior. Most pieces will feature four markings. The first is a series of Chinese characters corresponding to the artisan who produced it. The second is the name of the retailer who sold it, usually printed in English. Chinese silver will also usually display the city of manufacture in either Chinese characters or English and a purity mark. Purity markings vary and may include numbers like “935” or “900,” the words “STERLING” or “SOLID SILVER” or Chinese characters that translate to "pure silver." You can learn more about your silver wares by comparing the markings on your pieces to information published on trusted online resources. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also assist with the identification process. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Chinese silver.
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
Shop for Chinese Sterling Silver on 1stDibs
Rare Antique Silver Cup INCENSE BURNER Chinese, Hand Engraved Dragons Sculpture
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique silver cup or Decorative Chinese cup, pressed, cast and chased. Circular, curved feet with hinged. Decorated with peacock motifs in relief, side-mounted nine mythical animal...
Category

Antique 1880s Chinese Tibetan Sterling Silver

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Antique Silver Basket by Wang Hing
By Wang Hing & Co.
Located in Newark, England
Highly Detailed Silver From our Chinese collection, we are delighted to offer this Chinese Export Silver Basket by Wang Hing. The Silver Basket of circular form expertly crafted wit...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks
By Wang Hing & Co.
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks, each with coiled dragon chasing a fire pearl around the plain column, with the dragons rising in opposing directions to face each other....
Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique early 20th Chinese Exceptional Solid Silver Teapot, Wu Hua物華, Tianjin
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Antique early 20th Century exceptionally rare Chinese solid silver teapot, of traditional round form, the body finely engraved in traditional Chinese style, suggesting this teapot was made for the Chinese market. The body engraved with bamboo and butterflies , the unusual handle imitating bamboo, the removable lid set with a peach finial (Peaches are the symbol of longevity). According to Daoist lore, the peaches of immortality grew in the garden of the Queen Mother of the West - Xi Wangmu. the spout with a hedged cover in the shape of a lingzhi mushroom and a FU symbol of good furtune. the top frieze is decorated with 8 Chinese symbols: a scroll, a Ruyi scepter, a qin, The Endless Knot, a pendant, an old book, a wrist rest, and two overlapping squares. The teapot is very unusual, fine and exceptionally crisp. it is made of heavy Gauge silver and the attention to detail and design is simply outstanding. "WU HUA...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A rare Chinese Export Silver Goblet depicting the story of the Three Kingdoms. The goblet embossed and chased with characters of army of General Dian Wei (典韦) and General Lü Bu (吕布)....
Category

Antique 1870s Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Collection of 80 Chinese Silver & Gilt Table Wares, 19th-20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This group of 80 silver and gilt table wares is a delightful selection of Chinese and Japanese export wares, comprised of 56 spoons, 2 sugar tongs, 6 butter spreaders, 7 lemon forks and 9 napkin rings. Nearly every piece is unique, decorated in an array of motifs and metalworking techniques, including repoussé, chasing, mold casting and engraving. Amidst the cutlery are two stand-out spoons: a small spade carved from mother-of-pearl and a petite silver spoon inset with a green jadeite charm...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tableware

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate, Silver

Shop All