Page 65 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

PSEUDO-HALLMARKS

Much of the earlier Chinese Export Silver of the late 18th and early 19th century that was
made in Canton carries so-called pseudo-hallmarks and invariably excludes any reference
to the artisan silversmith. It is frustrating because some of the finest example of the skill of
Chinese silversmiths are to be found in this early neo-classical silver. The absence of any
Chinese mark and the style much of this silver took is why the majority of Chinese
collectors have yet to discover its uniqueness and its sheer genius. For a Cantonese
silversmith who most likely never ever left the confines of the alleys of the silver district of
old Canton to be able to produce silver of a quality and style that rivals the finest London
or Birmingham silversmiths should be a testament to the supreme artistry of these
silversmiths.

The onset of Chinese Export Silver as a
definable silver category, marks began to appear
in various guises. One of the earliest marks is
that of Linchong [right]; as with the mark of
Cutshing, the Linchong mark loosely mimicked a
London hallmark. These marks have become
known a “pseudo-hallmarks”, but unlike a true
hallmark, the Chinese alias imparted no relevant
knowledge other than possibly the maker’s
name. Contrary to a true London mark or any
British hallmark, there was no registration or
regulation for Chinese Export Silver marks, in
fact makers’ names are only known today
because knowledge of them was passed down
by word of mouth until much later, they were
written down; again in an unofficial unregulated way. Scant information can be gleaned
from scrutinising journals of the day, shipping manifests and trade and inter-trade logs of
the large merchant companies. Gradually sufficient information may be gleaned to allow
the identification of marks that present as a mystery.

As with many things Chinese,
there are exceptions to the rule!
One of the earliest known marks
of the Chinese Export Silver
manufacturing period is the mark
[left] of Bao Ying [aka POWING].
Believed to be late 18th century,
this scratch mark evolved into
versions of the incuse mark
[right].