An early 20^th century Chinese export silver beaker, Tianjin (Tientsin) circa 1910, marked Tai, retailed by Wu Hua and Co

Qing dynasty. Of tapering cylindrical form with a moulded rim. The body with applied decoration of a Chinese dragon with a vacant cartouche reserved with foliage and rosettes. Marked underneath with 天津 (TIANJIN) over 物華 (WU HUA), 厚 (HOU), 足紋 (ZU WEN | Pure silver), and artisan mark 泰 (TAI).

Height – 9.5 cm / 3.75 inches

Weight – 94 grams / 3.02 ozt

Wu Hua had a premise in Peking (Beijing) and was founded by Yan Xinhou, located on Silver Street in the Dongcheng area adjacent to the Forbidden City. After the Boxer rebellion of 1900, a branch was opened in Tianjin. The mark Hou on these Tianjin pieces referring to the founder. (Dr Adrien von Ferscht)