Page 540 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

From the unusual tea set, this highly intricate silver
filigree urn-shaped vase with overlaid layers of filigree in
the central framed cartouche is equally unusual and
possibly indicates that Man Hing catered for an eclectic
clientele.

The filigree is of a high standard and reminiscent of the
work seen on 19th century filigree card cases that carry
the “YKC” mark [detail, below right].

Although silver filigree work had become a Chinese skill as far back as the 11th century, only a few 19th century
Chinese specialist silversmiths still practised the art to such a high standard.

A Man Hing cream jug, circa 1910 -
good quality and could easily be
taken for a Wang Hing piece,
a l t h o u g h t h e s q u a t f o r m i s
particularly pleasing.

The circa 1900 reticulated napkin
rings [below] are almost ubiquitous
to all Chinese silversmiths of this
period.

Images courtesy of S&J Stodel, London;
Supershrink House of Silver

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