Page 570 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht
P. 570
The combination of what could be described as traditional
Chinese decorative motifs in the circular salver [previous
illustration] have come together in a composition and style
that a mainland Chinese silversmith would probably not
have produced. Although it has a neo-classical feel to it, the
salver also has a rendition of traditional Chinese motifs that
a mainland silversmith would almost certainly have
translated differently.
As a composition, it has an overall Chinese feel; individual
components such as the chased ‘fenghuang’ motifs on the
main central ground of the tray have a ‘looseness’ of style
one would not see in Hong Kong or Canton.
The silver bud vase emblazoned with bamboo foliate motif
could easily be taken for mainland China work, which
proves rather well that it is the Chinese silversmith and not
the fact it might have been made in mainland China that
makes this piece so obviously Chinese silver in every way.
The work from the Onn Sing workshops is much under-rated
and is regrettable, given the quality and rarity of silver
bearing the mark.
Images courtesy of Michaan’s
Auctions, Alameda, USA; Koopman
Rare Art, London
http://chinese-export-silver.com
Image Library Archive
