The Gerard Collection of Chinese Export Silver
Preview Lots: 18
The Gerard collection of Chinese export silver has been composed over the last twenty years of studious pursuit, and will consist of over 120 lots. Originating from a single birthday gift of a tea caddy, a fascination with aesthetic, form, markings, and history was borne that resulted in the multifarious and captivating sale now brought together. Sought out from purchases across the world, this collection broadly represents an excellent cross section of the typical forms, decorative patterns, retailers, and artisans active chiefly in Canton and Shanghai in the late Qing and early Republic period. The “China Trade” period begins this important phase of the West’s various interactions with the silverware of China. Initially producing distinctly 'Anglo' type pieces that mirrored those made in London, from the mid-19th century we find the beginning of the characteristic forms and decoration that were to last nearly a century across a wide range of vessels and objects.
Since the late 20th century publications have brought focus to this distinct genre of silver and the various marks found upon it. However, in recent decades an important shift in understanding and appreciation has been affected by studying the marks found in Chinese characters upon most of the silver from 1850 onwards, alongside those in Latin, or those imitating English hallmarks. It is these Chinese character marks that reveal the artisans or workshops responsible in producing these finely crafted wares, and their interactions with a wide network of retailers. There retailers who so often marked in Latin letters and were initially given credit for producing these objects. The Gerard collection contains a broad selection of artisans as well as retailers from across the spectrum including the prominent workshops of Qiu, Sui Chang, Ye Bo, Kun He, and Tai Chang Long. As well as the classic item of Chinese export silver, the three-piece tea set, we find trays, tea caddies, goblets, mugs, comports, boxes, ewers, and a wide variety of bowls.
Viewing times
Viewing exclusively at the Barley Mow, W4 4PH:
Sat 5 October 11:00 - 16:00
Mon 7 October 11:00 - 16:00
Tue 8 October 11:00 - 16:00
Buyer's Notes
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A rare mid-19th century Chinese export silver cup and cover, Canton circa 1860 marked for Khe Cheong
A late 19th century Chinese export silver coffee pot, Canton circa 1890 marked Qing Yuan
Auction: The Gerard Collection of Chinese Export Silver
The Gerard collection of Chinese export silver has been composed over the last twenty years of studious pursuit, and will consist of over 120 lots. Originating from a single birthday gift of a tea caddy, a fascination with aesthetic, form, markings, and history was borne that resulted in the multifarious and captivating sale now brought together. Sought out from purchases across the world, this collection broadly represents an excellent cross section of the typical forms, decorative patterns, retailers, and artisans active chiefly in Canton and Shanghai in the late Qing and early Republic period. The “China Trade” period begins this important phase of the West’s various interactions with the silverware of China. Initially producing distinctly 'Anglo' type pieces that mirrored those made in London, from the mid-19th century we find the beginning of the characteristic forms and decoration that were to last nearly a century across a wide range of vessels and objects.
Since the late 20th century publications have brought focus to this distinct genre of silver and the various marks found upon it. However, in recent decades an important shift in understanding and appreciation has been affected by studying the marks found in Chinese characters upon most of the silver from 1850 onwards, alongside those in Latin, or those imitating English hallmarks. It is these Chinese character marks that reveal the artisans or workshops responsible in producing these finely crafted wares, and their interactions with a wide network of retailers. There retailers who so often marked in Latin letters and were initially given credit for producing these objects. The Gerard collection contains a broad selection of artisans as well as retailers from across the spectrum including the prominent workshops of Qiu, Sui Chang, Ye Bo, Kun He, and Tai Chang Long. As well as the classic item of Chinese export silver, the three-piece tea set, we find trays, tea caddies, goblets, mugs, comports, boxes, ewers, and a wide variety of bowls.
Viewing
Viewing exclusively at the Barley Mow, W4 4PH:
Sat 5 October 11:00 - 16:00
Mon 7 October 11:00 - 16:00
Tue 8 October 11:00 - 16:00