Page 218 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

Yet taking a time traveller trip back to 1800 and one
would find Cum Shing making high quality classic
Western objects such as this tankard. Made from
extremely heavy gauge silver, the only decoration is the
reeded banding. There is nothing recognisably Chinese;
there is a total lack of theatre.

This circa 1890 tiny segmented gourd shaped open salt
confirms Cum Shing’s seemingly unstoppable theatrical
bent. Repoussé traditional motifs are alternated on the
individual segments, topped with a reticulated gallery that
ingeniously also holds the clear glass liner in place.

Ever since Chinese Export Silver was begun to be researched seriously, Cum Shing has always been hailed as a
master of the art of silver making. Crosby Forbes, Kernan and Marlowe all heaped praise. This circa 1870 tea set
is an example of why; sublimely made, Chinese in every way and just the right amount of embellishment.

Images courtesy of Goldsmiths’ Hall, London; Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh & Glasgow; Woolley & Wallis, Salisbury, UK;
Daniel Bexfield, London

http://chinese-export-silver.com Image Library Archive