Page 311 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

under-scalloped border is quite unusual for Chinese silver. The fineness of the planished ground is particularly
skilful.

Heng Li particularly specialised in tea wares. This circa 1890 tea set is again of a form common to many Chinese
silversmiths of the time, but as with the chrysanthemum bowl, there is an obvious quality and attention to
detailing that might be lacking in other makers’ work.

Most Heng Li items give one the
s e n s e t h a t i t w a s a r e t a i l
silversmith that knew how to
create commercially popular items
but also had made a conscious
decision that everything bearing
the Heng Li mark had to be of
superior quality.

Goblets are almost as common as
tea wares among Chinese Export
Silver makers, but this set of six
cordial goblets are what they are;
well-made quality items.

Heng Li was obvious proud of its
name and reputation and this
desire to create quality can even
be seen in the carrying case that
was created for the following tea
and coffee set - the case is not
simply a box. It shows pride.

The coffee pot is part of the 4-piece set the case in
question contains and one can see this has some very
specific Heng Li traits. Firstly, the scalloped rim that was
used on the previous bowl is used again, so one can
assume this is a well-loved Heng Li trademark. The fine
planish work is employed again, so this was again a
Heng Li trait. The overall shape of the pot and the handle
somehow sit between Western and Chinese styles; the
body and the lid minus the spout and handle could well
be a classic Chinese lidded jar.