Chinese Export Silver Bowl and Spoon

This stunning and complete seven-piece Chinese export silver tea and coffee service was crafted by Yu Chang of Shanghai and Hong Kong, a firm re...

This exquisite George IV period silver sugar bowl by the celebrated Benjamin Smith is crafted in an exuberant Rococo style. From the floral and foliate handles to the delicately engraved armorial, this is a work of true genius. A gilt washed-interior adds a sense of majesty. Renowned for his rapidly changing partnerships as much as for his artistry, Smith worked with some of the best craftsmen of the era, including Paul Storr, Matthew Boulton, and Digby Scott...

A monumental piece of history, this exquisite silver punch set was made for Czar Alexander III as a gift to British Captain Joseph Wiggins. Heavily decorated with rich engravings and proverbs in old Slavic lettering, this service is a grand symbol of celebration and a testament to the beauty of Russian Imperial silver. The punch set, a standalone treasure in its own right, was gifted by Czar Alexander III to Captain Wiggins in recognition of his pioneering expedition along the Enisei River. Driven by a desire to establish a sea route with Siberia, Captain Wiggins’ journey is notable for being the first successful endeavor by a British seaman in 300 years to extend commercial interests with the northern coasts of Russia. Even more notable is the presentation of this elaborate gift by the Russian government to a foreign national, particularly when the British government all but ignored Wiggins' efforts. In fact, the British government refused his modest request for surveying and observational instruments. Even so, the Czar was impressed, and chose to honor Wiggins with this exceptional punch service — as pictured and discussed in Henry Johnson’s book Captain Joseph Wiggins, written in 1907. The service was commissioned by the Czar from the House of Sazikov, the oldest silversmith and jewelry firm in Russia. Sazikov was established in 1793 by the merchant Pavel Sazikov, and became supplier to the Imperial Court in 1837. The firm, which maintained factories in Moscow and St. Petersburg, became renowned for its high quality silverware, silver sculptures, cloisonné enamels and statuettes with national motifs. The firm exhibited several cups and centerpieces at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, and from 1846, held the Imperial Warrant. The unique charm of this punch service lies not only in its craftsmanship and historical relevance, but also in the inclusion of old drinking...

An important antique silverplate charger created by Elkington & Co., based on a sculpture by French artist Morel Ladeuil. Cast by one of the most significant and highly respected English silver firms in history, the classically-designed repoussé form displays an intimate scene of a lady being dressed by her attendants. Surrounded by a border of Greek anthemions and supported its elm and mahogany solid wood frame, this plaque is a tour-de-force of silver plate artistry. Elkington & Co. patented the first commercial electroplating process and held Royal Warrants for Queen Victoria, King Edward VI...

A Chinese silver bowl of lobed round form with applied decoration depicting various flowers and birds. It has the mark of TS for the shop of Tien Shing or T...

A fine and impressive antique Chinese Export Silver bowl; an addition to our Chinese/Asian silverware collection This impressive Chinese Export Silver (CES) bowl has a plain circular form onto a plain collet foot. The body of this antique Chinese bowl is embellished with two embossed and chased traditional oriental undulating dragons amidst cloud designs, all on a matte background. The decoration to the body incorporates a vacant circular cartouche. The upper rim of this impressive CES bowl is encircled with an applied thread decorated border. The hallmarks struck to the underside of this fine bowl include: Maker's mark: T&Co (Taylor & Co*) Artisan workshop mark: REN XIN 仁信 (Canton) This impressive bowl has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 900 standard silver. * Taylor & Co were a retail store but acted as agents, and were known for their locations in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin. We are grateful to Adrien von Ferscht for his help in identifying this exceptional antique piece. Condition This antique Chinese bowl is a very good gauge of silver, excellent quality and in excellent condition, in keeping with age. The chased and embossed decoration is all very sharp. The CES hallmarks struck to the underside of the bowl are all very clear. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique Chinese silverware...

A Chinese Export silver bowl decorated with chrysanthemum against a matte background. Made by the firm of Lian xiang sheng of Shanghai and Ca...

A large Chinese export silver bowl with chrysanthemum decoration on a matte background. It was made by Hung Chong of Canton or Shanghai, circa 1895. The bowl sits on a wood stand. ...