An early 20^th century Chinese export silver kettle on stand, Shanghai circa 1920, marked Ju Chang, retailed by Chi Cheong of Canton and Hong Kong

Republic period. Formed as a prunus trunk section, with branch modelled spout, and a shaped opposable swing handle fitted with ivory insulators, all upon a burner stand, the X frame modelled as prunus branches with a central removable cylindrical spirit lamp. The kettle body with cast and applied flowering prunus, the lift off lid of conforming outline, with handle modelled as a branch section. Marked underneath to kettle only with artisan mark 巨昌 (JU CHANG), numeral 58, and retailer’s mark CHICHEONG.

Height – 32.7 cm / 12.85 inches

Length – 19.2 cm / 7.55 inches

Weight – 1230 grams / 39.55 ozt

This form of tea ware modelled after the trunk of the prunus tree with a bark section exposed to the centre and applied with prunus flowers was especially popular in Chinese export silver from circa 1900, the chamfered section on the left hand upper side was often used for engraving owner’s initial cyphers or even heraldry. The use of a numeral mark 58 on this kettle, indicative of a standard mark for purity of silver, is a misreading of Arabic numerals which would otherwise be an 85.

A pair of pierced bowls by this workshop stamped 85 is illustrated Kwan. S. (2018) Chinese Export Silver – The Muwen Tang Collection. Hong Kong: Muwen Tang Fine Arts Publication Ltd. p. 470-471, f.197.

A mug by this workshop and retailed by Gem Wo of Canton is illustrated Devereux Kernan, K. (1985), The Chait Collection of Chinese Export Silver. New York: Chait Galleries. p. 55. f. 36.

Ivory Declaration: B127SCHV