Page 217 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

Whereas this bowl [right] is typical how
Cum Shing so often aimed to create an
object that was both traditionally Chinese
and theatrical; theatricality seemed to be
such an intrinsic part of the Cum Shing
experience that when an item appears that
is simple, the natural instinct is to check
whether it is indeed Cum Shing even
though the quality might be there.

With all Chinese retail silversmiths, they
depended on artisan silver workshops to
create for them. Since no evidence has
ever been found of drawings or sketches,
it is fascinating that objects were so
imbued with the overall characteristics
that the retail silversmith was renowned
for and executed in such a precise way.

Understanding this very phenomenon has
now become part of the ongoing research.

The sense of theatricality is carried through into this circa 1880
Cum Shing goblet. Again, rife with traditional Chinese allegorical
decorative motifs with a nod to neo-classicism with the
garlanded fluted plinth.

A simple napkin ring receives the same attention to detail and
quality. When one reviews a collection of 19th century Cum
Shing items one gets the impression that whoever was in the
driving seat took great pleasure in creating a fusion of
traditional Chinese decorative treatments and the high Victorian
style; a fusion that had a distinct aversion for the idea of “less is
more” as only the true Victorian could do.