Page 200 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

It is a complete surprise to discover a pair of quite
monumental vases, circa 1900, carrying the Chi
Cheong mark. They are quite extraordinary for
Chinese silver of this period, in particular the
fretwork bases that are formed of four conjoined
bats with outspread wings.

Of the same period, this tea caddy takes the form
of a section of prunus tree trunk with a strip of the
bark removed - a traditional Chinese allegorical
decorative motif that emphasises the energy of life
the exposed sap symbolises.

Images courtesy of The Silver Fund, New York;
Bukowskis Auktioner AB, Helsinki, Finland; Michaan’s
Auctions, Alameda, California, USA

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