Page 121 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

died in 1848. Astor was the first multi-millionaire in American history - he was also one of
the main importers of Chinese silks into America.

Nankeen gentleman’s trousers, circa A gentlewoman’s summer nankeen
1818 dress circa 1814

A Chinese watchman in
Canton dressed in nankeen
clothing, circa 1810

The late 18th century and early 19th century saw relatively few Chinese silversmiths
manufacturing Chinese Export Silver. As a silver trade, and later as a silver category in its
own right, it was substantial, but in the wider context of the China Trade as a whole, it was
always a trade that helped fill the clipper ships carrying tea, nankeen and various silks, not