Page 654 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

The prunus mume trunk is a well-used traditional Chinese allegorical decorative element and always
challenging for any silversmith to attempt given it has an irregular shape and, when used in a teapot, requires a
particularly skilful eye to create a flush-fitting recessed lid. This Sing Fat set [above] has also been skilfully
made to give the illusion of a thick trunk by accentuating the top rim. The handles of the sugar and creamer take
the form of faux branches; the teapot handle has been left relatively smooth in order to make it easy to grip
when the pot is full. The removed vertical strip of bark has been expertly executed, also a traditional allegorical
motif that symbolises life’s energy flowing strongly.