A Chinese export silver butter dish finely decorated with 4 toed dragons chasing a flaming ball

A Chinese export silver butter dish finely decorated with dragons chasing a flaming ball. This symbolises the dragon chasing pearls of wisdom and represents the Dragons way to insight and  knowledge. The dragons have 4 toes which are an indicator of rank and symbolise the aristocracy . The dish is in 3 parts – a lid, a dish with original glass liner and a base which is marked for Tuck Chang of Shanghai and was made circa 1880. Beautifully made and an exquisite piece

The majority of Chinese Export Silver (CES) was produced in a fairly well defined period between 1785 and 1914. This silver wasn't originally made for export but was commissioned or purchased by spice and tea traders, diplomats stationed in China, or travellers to Asia in the 19th century.

Just as the Chinese potters produced Chinese export porcelain for Western consumers, Chinese silversmiths also created elaborately-decorated objects for international clients. Early works of Chinese Export Silver were intended to reproduce or copy objects in European styles. However, in copying the European style or model objects, the Chinese artisans later managed to add to new decorations such Chinese motifs as the dragon, flowers, bamboo and scenes of life at the Chinese court. Blending Western forms with Asian decoration including dragons, bamboo, and Chinese landscapes, these pieces reflect the long-standing cultural and commercial exchange between East and West.

Approximate width of base 14.5cm width of butter dish 9 cm overall height including lid 9 cm.

Dimensions

Price

This object includes complimentary, Insured Shipping / Delivery within the UK

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

Stock number