Page 95 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

The level of workmanship and the
techniques employed are completely
different from the post-1940 canister
that is trying to emulate it. This detail of
a Chinese Export Silver filigree and
enamel vase [left] of the same period as
t h e C u t s h i n g b a s k e t c l e a r l y
demonstrates the level of workmanship.
The filigree mesh on this piece is
formed from a network of interlinked
quatrefoil shapes.

The piece [below] was described as
being 19th century and Chinese. The
only word that rings true there is
“Chinese”; again this is a post 1949
piece of Chinese silver – nothing more,
nothing less. It, too, carried the solitary
SILVER stamp [below left]. The quality
of silver used is always a guessing
game!

While these filigree items are to be
found in abundance on the internet,
some on so-called “reputable” sites,
they also appear in equally reputable

international auctions that should know
better. It is sad to think the term ”Chinese
Export Silver” is viewed by some as a
convenient band wagon. Auction houses
should take responsibility, especially since
some of these relatively modern pieces are
selling for substantial hammer prices,
probably as a result of an incorrect
description.

The next piece is probably one of my
“favourite” pieces of fake Chinese Export
Silver simply because of the sheer
chutzpah.