An early 20^th century Chinese export silver small ewer, Shanghai or Canton circa 1920, marked Hou Thai, retailed by Wang Hing

Republic period. Of ovoid form upon a cylindrical short pedestal foot, the tall neck with a handle modelled as bamboo leading to a domed lid raised by a curved pull section. The lid with flat chased decoration as a lotus leaf. The body with cast and applied decoration of a Chinese dragon chasing the flaming sacred pearl. The foot with flat chased decoration bamboo, and peony. Marked to the foot with artisan mark 厚泰 (HOU THAI), numeral 90, and retailer’s mark WH.

Height – 17.9 cm / 7 inches

Weight – 378 grams / 12.58 ozt

Hou Thai

A ewer of the exact same form and mechanism, differently decorated, by this workshop and retailer is illustrated Devereux Kernan, K. (1985), The Chait Collection of Chinese Export Silver. New York: Chait Galleries. p. 188, f. 200.

A twin handled tray by this workshop, retailed by Zee Wo of Shanghai is illustrated Kwan. S. (2018) Chinese Export Silver – The Muwen Tang Collection. Hong Kong: Muwen Tang Fine Arts Publication Ltd. p.302-303, f.114.

A bowl by this workshop and retailed by L&B (unidentified), was offered these rooms, 21 June 2023, lot 155