Page 222 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

The simple addition of a
serpent as the handle instead
of a dragon or bamboo stem
is a stroke of genius by Cum
Wo .

Creating dramatic silver wares
is like being a theatrical set
designer and to have the
serpent’s head peeking over
the lip of the jug and then
have the serpent’s tongue
about to dart out into the jug
is pure theatre.

Using a jug like this would
bring joy every time.

This circa 1900 standing cup is to all
intents and purposes wholly
traditional in style and its decorative
component elements. Yet compared
with the many other Chinese Export
Silver cups produced, this cup is
visually quite apart.

The hexagonal shape, although not
revolutionary, is quite unusual in the
context of cups. The large expanse
of plain highly polished ground is
not usual and the two-level
hexagonal base supporting the
tripod bamboo stem is both unusual
and contributes an elegance which is
further enhanced by the slim
bamboo loop handles and classical
hexagonal base.

The rooster on
the front panel
symbolises
happiness and
abundance as
well as being a
s y m b o l o f
masculinity. The
rooster is one of
the 12 animals of
the Chinese
zodiac.