A pair late 19^th / early 20^th century Chinese Export (Thai) silver beakers, circa 1900 by Bao Xing

Each of tapering cylindrical form with moulded rims upon collet feet. Each with chased decoration of a pair of monkeys stealing fruit, being gestured to by figures with spears all against fir trees and other foliage. Each with a vacant shaped cartouche. Marked underneath with寶興 (BAO XING), also stamped B.H for Bo Hing (alternative of Bao Xing). (2)

Height – 7.4 cm / 2.85 inches

Weight – 143 grams / 4.6 ozt

The mark for Bao Xing is illustrated in Bromberg, P., (2019), Thai SIlver and Nielloware, Bangkok: River Books, p. 192 fig. 7.04. where it is written “It is claimed that this silversmith operated in Canton from 1860-1910, but unfortunately, to date, no supporting evidence has come to light. The Bao Xing atelier appears to have specialised in high-relief repousse work.” (reference Dr Adrien Von Ferscht)

Many ethnic Chinese silversmiths worked throughout Thailand in the 19th century and 20th century, previously a vassal state of China until 1853, many of them stamped their work with their names, but their biographical details are largely lost. The Thai-Chinese nobility and merchant class mainly hailed from Canton (Guangdong) and Fujian.

A casket marked for Bao Xing was offered these rooms, 19 Oct 2022, lot 393, interestingly these casket has scenes to the front of “The Churning of The Ocean of Milk”, drawn from the 12^th century Khmer rock carving at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia. This as well as the presence of French import mark suggest that the item was for use in the region now known as Cambodia and that the Bao Xing workshop was supplying across this region.