Chinese Silver Tea Service
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Item Details
- Period:
19th Century - Origin:
Asia
This Chinese silver tea service is a rare and desirable example of the fine caliber export silver originating in the Far East. The service is enveloped in an organic motif boasting elegant chrysanthemums, plums and irises executed in repose. Gilt washing inside the creamer and sugar, and realistic bamboo-formed tea spout, finial and handles complete the set's design.
Chinese export silver was often custom-ordered and created by master silversmiths to cater to vacationing Europeans. Since it took months to reach China, they would understandably spend months visiting, giving these skilled artisans time to craft each piece by hand to the client's specifications. Export silver is easy to distinguish, as the elaborate motifs did not appeal to traditional Chinese tastes. With the current upward trend in China's economy spurring a renewed interest in native artifacts, the desirability for these fantastic quality silver works is tremendous. Since a great number of Chinese export silver is found in museums, the opportunity to acquire a complete tea service is considerable.
Bears the marks "AS" and "85." The numerical value is presumably refers to the silver content.
Late 19th century
Teapot: 5 3/8" high
Creamer: 3 1/4" high
Sugar: 3 1/4" high
Chinese export silver was often custom-ordered and created by master silversmiths to cater to vacationing Europeans. Since it took months to reach China, they would understandably spend months visiting, giving these skilled artisans time to craft each piece by hand to the client's specifications. Export silver is easy to distinguish, as the elaborate motifs did not appeal to traditional Chinese tastes. With the current upward trend in China's economy spurring a renewed interest in native artifacts, the desirability for these fantastic quality silver works is tremendous. Since a great number of Chinese export silver is found in museums, the opportunity to acquire a complete tea service is considerable.
Bears the marks "AS" and "85." The numerical value is presumably refers to the silver content.
Late 19th century
Teapot: 5 3/8" high
Creamer: 3 1/4" high
Sugar: 3 1/4" high
