Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
An elegant Chinese export tea service crafted in silver with rich interior and partial exterior gilding, representing a refined example of early 20th century decorative art created for the European market. The ensemble demonstrates harmonious proportions and balanced symmetry: a pear-shaped teapot with an elongated curved spout and sculptural handle, eight cups, and an oval tray forming a complete ceremonial set.
The surfaces are lavishly decorated with repoussé and chased foliate scrollwork enhanced by polychrome enamels. Central medallions on the teapot and cups depict naturalistic scenes with deer and cranes set among rocks and foliage. In Chinese symbolism, the deer represents prosperity and longevity, while the crane signifies spiritual purity and immortality, lending the service an additional allegorical dimension.
The bodies are inlaid with coral and turquoise cabochons set into ornamental mounts, reinforcing the exotic Eastern character of the ensemble. The handle and spout are accented with vivid green and blue enamel details. The interiors of the cups and teapot are finished in mirror-like gilding, creating a warm golden luminosity.
Hallmarks: Maker’s mark in the form of a swan; stamped “SILVER”.
Dimensions: Teapot – 23 × 19 cm; Tray – 38.5 × 26 cm; Cups – 4.8 × 5.5 cm.
Weight: 1513 g.
Condition: Good. Even gilding. Minor signs of age and handling. No visible deformations, cracks, or enamel losses.
Provenance: Private European collection.
Chinese export silver of the early 20th century occupies a significant place in the history of decorative arts. Workshops in Canton and Shanghai produced refined silverware specifically tailored to Western clientele, combining traditional Chinese iconography with forms adapted to European taste. Tea and coffee services in gilt silver with enamel and semi-precious stone inlays reflect this artistic synthesis between East and West.
Comparable examples are preserved in major museum collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and institutions in Hong Kong, illustrating similar repoussé decoration, gilded interiors, and symbolic motifs featuring cranes and deer. These motifs derive from classical Chinese visual culture, where natural imagery conveys wishes for harmony, longevity, and prosperity.
The use of coral and turquoise recalls Qing dynasty ornamental traditions, where vivid stones provided striking chromatic accents. The English-language “SILVER” mark further confirms production for export markets, facilitating international trade circulation.
Today, such services are appreciated not only as functional objects but as collectible examples of Chinese export silver, embodying cross-cultural exchange, refined craftsmanship, and the aesthetic dialogue between civilizations. Their value lies in the quality of chasing, preservation of enamels, symbolic richness, and completeness of the set.
Overall in good collectible condition. Minor surface scratches and light wear to gilding consistent with age. Enamels and cabochon inlays preserved without visible losses.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
