ANTIQUE 19thC CHINESE EXPORT SILVER TWO-HANDLE CUP & COVER, HUNG CHONG CO c.1880

Antique 19th Century Chinese export solid silver presentation cup and cover, of traditional baluster urn form, worked throughout with elaborate repoussé and chased decoration. The bulbous body is decorated in high relief with Chinese figural and village scenes, depicting numerous figures in traditional dress amongst pavillions, terraces, trees and rocky landscapes. The decoration is framed by Grecian key borders with a lower frieze of dragons amongst clouds. On one side a vacant shield shaped cartouche is present. The waisted neck is decorated with fruiting grapevine, the sides mounted with naturalistic branch form handles, modelled with knotted and projecting branch detail. The removable domed cover is decorated with delicate floral sprays and is surmounted by a well modelled Chinese guardian lion, also known as a "Foo Dog", finial. Depicted with a pierced brocade ball held beneath its paw. What is rather unusual about this is the eyes have a articulating movement giving a touch of novelty. Chinese guardian lion were regarded as powerful protective symbols, intended to ward off harmful spiritual influences and safeguard the occupants within. The cup and cover is raised on a knopped stem above a domed spreading circular pedestal foot, decorated with engraved foliage. Hallmarked to the base Maker's mark 昆和  (Kun He), HC (Retailed by Hung Chong & Co).

Reference Number: A00176