An early 20th century Chinese Export silver preserve jar and cover, Shanghai circa 1930 retailed by Nanking Store

An early 20^th century Chinese Export silver preserve jar and cover, Shanghai circa 1930 retailed by Nanking Store

Republic period. Of cylindrical form with an opposable handle, the pull off domed lid surmounted by a ball finial, with cut out for holding preserve spoon. The body with flat chased decoration of bamboo pattern against a matted ground. The front with a cartouche engraved with initials TE. Glass liner deficient. Marked underneath base and to spoon with retailer’s mark NK and SILVER.

Height – 18.2 cm / 7.2 inches

Weight – 199 grams / 6.4 ozt

The initials are for Toku Emery née Narabe (born 20^th May 1903 in Tokishima, Japan, died 30^th November 1957) who worked as an interpreter. Percy Alfred Emery (born 19^th Feb 1895 in Montreal Canada, died 23^rd June 1967) came to Great Britain in the early 1920’s and lived at 325 Long Lane, Bexleyheath, Kent. Percy was a policeman and went to China, believed to be Shanghai, where he met Toku and were married around 1933, after which they moved to Singapore.

During the Singapore occupation 1942-45, Percy was sent to Changi jail but unlike military personnel, he was left outside in the compound to face the elements but were able to grow some vegetables. Toku is believed to have worked in a hospital as a translator, she buried the family possessions including the silverware during these times, recovering items to sell for food or brides as necessary. They survived, came to Great Britain and returned to the home of Percy’s parents, this bungalow was decorated in traditional Asian style (wooden floors, silk hangings, carved screens, low furniture). They died without issue but bequeathed the silverware to close family friends of Percy’s, thence by descent.

We are grateful to the descendants of the bequeathed for providing us this most necessary information held behind the initials TE.