Page 207 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

CHONG WOO [aka: CHONG WO; CHANG WOO]
Hong Kong
circa 1849 -1935

A mis-spelled version of the mark - not unusual in Chinese Export Silver
marks

This is quite an extremely interesting retail silversmith selling “own mark” silver as well as silver from other
makers. The Chong Woo “chopmark" often appears on items bearing the mark of retail silversmith Kwan Wo yet
it is unclear if Kwan Wo was selling Chong Woo items or vice versa [or even both].

It’s an interesting maker given some unusual items appear bearing the mark, including the intricately made
woven silver mesh evening bag [following page]. The rose bowl is also of a superb quality and the tea pot
demonstrates great mastery of intricate dragon portrayal.
Recent research has now revealed a whole new side. Firstly, the company is now known to have been founded
in the late 1840’s by one Chiu Yu Tin who came to the new colony of Hong Kong at the age of 14 to seek his
fortune. He came from an impoverished family in Nanhai and by the time of his death at the age of 95, he was
considered to be one of the most successful Chinese businessmen. His rise to fame began by recognising the
opportunities the California gold rush opened up to Chinese middle-men. Chip Yu Tin recognised that new
wealth would engender the need for luxury goods and the Chung Woo retail arm did just this.