Page 921 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

Back to the neo-classical
again with this early
Yatshing, circa 1840, parcel
gilded beaker.

While obviously made for
export or use by a Westerner,
not only because of the style
but also the inclusion of a
classic fruiting vine border
and fluted rim, it is not true to
neo-classical form - it almost
seems as though the Western
h a l f fl u t i n g a n d o t h e r
decorative features have
been “adopted “rather than
“belong” by default. It is
pleasing, nevertheless, and
of indisputable quality.

The figural scenes in the
demitasse cup [below]
confirm a Yat Shing penchant
and skill for the figural as
well as encasing them in
what would be regarded as
unconventionally framed
settings.

Unconventionality is further
continued with an interesting mix of
neo-classical and Chinese influences
as well possibly other South East
Asian motifs such as the cross-
hatched woven texture that has been
added below the upper plan banded
frieze and above the figural panels.

Yat Shing, therefore, is displaying
not only a high degree of mastery of
the art of silversmithing, but also a
lack of fear of being unconventional.