Page 821 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht
P. 821
This large presentation casket-shaped cigar humidor is typical of the quality of bespoke items Wang Hing
produced yet, at the same time exactly what sets Wang Hing apart from most of the other mid-late 19th century
Chinese retail silversmiths. Raised on bun feet with copious repoussé decorative work of coiled dragons
breathing flames towards a central cartouche on the lid. The sides
carry traditional allegorical scenes depicting figures at leisure -
one with a figure riding a stag, another with a figure resting on a
table and further figures seated upon rock work before a bamboo
cluster within a fenced garden. The interior is parcel gilded
Here [right] is an example of Wang Hing & Company at its very
best with this superb example of Sino-Victoriana. It is also a
superb example of social history of the times and how a retail
silversmith in Canton is supplying a major bespoke trophy to the
Indian Mercantile Community in Kuala Lumpur.
The inscription reads:
Selangor Races 1893 Mava Cup
Presented by
The Indian Mercantile Community
Won by Romano
Selangor Turf Club