A mixed group of early 20^th century Chinese Export silver

Comprising a pair of oval chopstick stands, with the centre formed as a sycee (ingot currency), chased with a trailing Chinese dragon against a matted ground. Each stamped SILVER and engraved with initials P.A.E and in Chinese. Together with two pairs of chop sticks. Together with two circular coin set ashtrays retailed by Naking Store, eleven spoons, six small pickle forks and an unmarked butter knife. (Q)

Weight – 502 grams / 16.14 ozt

The initials are for 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 Emery née Narabe (born 20^th May 1903 in Tokishima, Japan, died 30^th November 1957) who worked as an interpreter. They 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.