Page 604 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

The whole concept of theatre is to
create a scene within a
proscenium; for Qing Xiang, the
silver that was created was almost
always theatrical and presented
within borders as if it was a
proscenium.

The previously illustrated circa
1880 tray has at least five borders
surrounding the double dragon
motif around a bodhi leaf, but the
borders have been created using
different techniques - reticulation,
engraving and repoussé work.

The dragons clinging on the each
short side to create the handles is
pure genius, as is the form they
take.

These is also a multi-cultural
element to the mix of borders and
motifs - Daoist, Hindu and
traditional Chinese.

Qing Jiang was one of the few
silversmiths that knew how to use
the meander border motif to great
effect.

The reticulated belt [below] is
created on the premise of using
medallions that create a frame for
each reticulated scene that
alternate with actual medallions
that contain an auspicious
message.