Chinese Export Silver: Highlights from Recent and Upcoming Sales

Chinese export silver remains one of the most fascinating yet often underappreciated collecting areas in the world of antique silver. While it may be unfamiliar to many European and Western collectors, Chinese silversmiths have been producing high-quality silverware in Western forms for centuries. From elaborately decorated tea sets to intricately chased tankards and presentation trophies, Chinese silver made for export showcases exceptional craftsmanship and design.

At Chiswick Auctions, we are pleased to have offered a number of important and rare examples in our past sales, with more exceptional pieces of Chinese export silver coming to market in upcoming auction. 

_{A rare mid-19^th century Chinese export silver mug, Canton dated 1869 by Shan mark of Khecheong}

_{Engraved “Penang Races 1869, the Governors Cup, won by Mr E. C. Thompsons “Bintung”, ridden by H. Hogan Esq.”.}

_{Marked underneath with artisan mark 善 (SHAN) and retailer mark of a gothic K.}

_{Estimate £3000-5000}

A Rare Racing Trophy with Colonial Connections

A standout highlight from our 11 October 2023 Silver and Objects of Vertu sale is a previously unrecorded Chinese export silver mug, dated 1869 and made in Canton by the silversmith Shan for the retailer Khecheong. Engraved for the Penang Races, this mug commemorates the Governor’s Cup, awarded to the horse Bintang (formerly recorded as “Bintung”), owned by Mr E. C. Thompson and ridden by H. Hogan Esq.

The event dates to a key moment in colonial history. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 drastically increased trade to the East, and the port of Penang rapidly rose in prominence. The Penang Turf Club, established just five years earlier in 1864, became a central social hub for the British in the region.

Provenance and Value in Focus: The Jeremy Taylor Collection

The Jeremy Taylor Collection, sold in June 2023, clearly demonstrated the steep growth in value of Chinese silver over the past two decades. Several of the highlights were accompanied by receipts from the early 2000s, illustrating how the market has developed for rare and high-quality pieces.

_{Lot 161 21 June 2023}

_{A large late 19^th century Chinese export silver lidded mug or tankard, Canton circa 1880 by Qiu Ji, retailed by Lee Ching of Canton and later Hong Kong}

_{Marked 求記 (QIU JI)}

_{£13,750 including buyer's premium}

_{(Pre-sale Estimate  of £4000-6000)}

_{with S&J Stodel 16/6/2002 £3800}

求記 a workshop whose items are of excellent quality, and which are found in conjunction with many different retailers’ marks. This mark is often to be found on items featuring finely pierced and embossed workmanship, as well as trays with deftly executed engraved and flat chased scenes, such as village life or cranes.

_{Lot 160 21 June 2023}

_{A mid-19^th century Chinese export silver mug, Canton circa 1850 mark of Cutshing}

_{£5250 including buyer's premium}

 _{Pre-sale  Estimate £1200-1600}

_{with Paul Bennett 24/04/2002 £1000}

_{Lot 159 21 June 2023}

_{A mid-19^th century Chinese export silver mug, Canton circa 1850 mark of WE, WE, WC, possibly for Punqua Winchong of Hong Kong}

_{£4750 including buyer's premium}

_{Pre-sale  Estimate - £1000-1500}

_{with S&J Stodel 6/6/2002 £1250}

 The consistent presence of sought-after artisan marks, such as Qiu Ji, Cutshing, and Wang Hing, continues to attract buyers worldwide.

Artisan Marks and Notable Workshops

Recent sales have included a number of highly regarded silversmiths and retailers:

• Kun He (昆和), known for boldly modelled dragons and elaborate bowls.

• Sui Chang (遂昌), often associated with pierced and embossed patterns.

• Wang Hing, perhaps the most recognisable Chinese silver retailer, whose pieces remain highly desirable

_{Lot 188 23 March 2023}

_{A late 19^th century Chinese export silver bowl, Shanghai circa 1890 by Kun He retailed by Wang Hing of Canton}

_{Marked 昆和 (KUN HE)}

_{£2500 including buyer's premium}

_{Lot 187 23 March 2023}

_{A late 19^th / early 20^th century Chinese export silver bowl, Canton circa 1900 by Sui Chang, retailed by Wang Hing}

_{Marked 遂昌 (SUI CHANG)}

_{£1875 including buyer's premium}

The Enduring Appeal of Chinese Tea Ware

Tea services in Chinese export silver continue to perform strongly at auction, often reflecting a blend of Chinese decorative motifs and Western form. Patterns range from dragons and bamboo to more restrained Art Deco styles.

_{Lot 235 22 June 2022}

_{An early 20th century Chinese export silver three-piece tea service on a twin handled tray, Shanghai dated 1926 retailed by Zee Woo}

_{The tray marked 尚 (SHANG), the tea set marked 中(ZHONG)}

_{£4500 including buyer's premium}

_{Lot 417 19 Oct 2022}

_{An early 20^th century Chinese export silver three-piece bachelor tea set, Canton circa 1900 retailed by Wang Hing}

_{Teapot marked 寳生 (BAO SHENG), the milk jug marked 卓 (ZHUO)}

_{£2000 including buyer's premium}

_{Lot 412 19 Oct 2022}

_{An early 20^th century Chinese export silver three-piece coffee service, Shanghai circa 1930 retailed by Nanking Store}

_{the coffee pot marked 金 (JIN)}

_{£1625 including buyer's premium}

Learn More About Chinese Export Silver

For collectors interested in learning more about Chinese silver marks, makers and styles, our blog  Chinese Export Silver- Artisans and Retailers, a deep dive into all things Chinese Silver. provides an in-depth overview of the major workshops and decorative trends.

Key Literature:

• Chinese Export Silver – The Definitive Collector’s Guide by Dr Adrien von Ferscht (2015)

• Chinese Export Silver 1785–1885 (Museum of the American China Trade, 1975)

• The Chait Collection of Chinese Export Silver by J. Devereux Kernan (1985)

Interested in receiving a complimentary Silver Valuation?

Get in touch with our Head of Department John Rogers at
john.rogers@chiswickauctions.co.uk
or submit an Online Valuation.