Page 593 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

POWING [aka: BAO YING; WANG PAO YING; PAO YING]
Canton
circa 1780-1825

Extremely early Chinese Export Silver maker of the
highest quality items in the high Georgian style.

Flatware considered by many to be the earliest
documented examples of Chinese Export Silver to
come to America - 2 tablespoons bear the
monogram of William & Mary [Quincy] Donnison
and the date 1783

This pair of filigree baluster lidded urns are almost identical
to a pair in the collection of filigree silver from both China
and India in the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg.
The style borders on the baroque - a style that was favoured
at the time by the Russian Imperial Court.
The Bao Ying mark also appears on late 18th century/early
19th century neo-classical silver gilt filigree items, making it
highly likely Bao Ying was responsible for some of the
Chinese silver filigree in the State Hermitage Museum
collection, although it is likely items would be unmarked.
This rare Bao Ying soup ladle is dated circa 1810. The pair
of lidded urns are dated circa 1800.

Bao Ying is probably one of the most important Chinese
Export Silver names, however, the significance of Bao Ying
in the history of Chinese silver making and Chinese cultural
history is not yet fully understood or appreciated by the
Chinese