Page 739 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

Goblets are common to many
Chinese silversmiths but Tien Shing
brings a touch of genius to this
presentation goblet with the
addition to two opposing geckos.

An inscription of the cup reads:
Billiard Handicap
Canton Club
won by
Gater 1896

The gecko, in Chinese traditional
art, is one of the Five Poisonous
Creatures; two geckos facing each
other means two venomous
creatures opposing each other - a
fight; a battle; a competition.

A veritable master of the teapot chose to create this unusual square form tea set that despite its shape still
keeps the bamboo form spout, which appears to be a favourite decorative feature of Tien Shing. Again, despite
its unusual shape, traditional Chinese scenes form the decorative motifs in each self-contained vignette. The
ziggurat feet follow through the squared theme.