Page 823 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

This large silver-gilt oval basin or bowl is an exceptional example of late 19th century Chinese silver. While it
bears the mark of Wang Hing, the real star has to be the artisan silversmith Kun He, whose mark accompanies
the retail marks. Kun He was one of the much sought after master silversmiths of the latter part of the 19th
century. Based in Shanghai, he is also known to have made items of equal quality for the Shanghai retailer Hung
Chong & Company.

What is particularly noticeable about this item is the density of the gilding. Without seeing the “90” silver purity
mark, one could easily assume this was gold - the colour is right and there is no obvious signs of wear that
would otherwise show the silver through the gilding.

The bowl is also a fine example of the fusion of the neo-classical with traditional Chinese motifs and shapes.
The foot carries an engraved inscription in German “In dankbarer Erinnerung H.J.M.” [In grateful memory of
H.J.M.] and unusually the foot is attached by two original quatrefoil nuts and bolts.
Silver gilding is relatively rare in 19th century Chinese silver. It was far more prevalent in the preceding two
centuries, in particular with filigree silver items. The number of Canton and Hong retail silversmiths who have
items that can be attributed to them can be counted on one hand.