A late 19^th century Chinese export silver mug, Canton dated 1891 by Quan Ji, retailed by Lee Ching of Canton and later Hong Kong

Qing dynasty. Of tapering cylindrical form with moulded rims, the handle formed as a Chinese dragon with saw cut and engraved frills and applied wrought work horns. The body with finely and profusely embossed decoration of battle scenes depicting warriors on horseback with swords and flag staffs, many with large oval shields chased with grotesque faces, probably tiger shields, amidst fir trees, bamboo, and rocky outcrops. The front with a shield shaped cartouche engraved with a presentation inscription reading “S.R.C. Autum Regatta, 1891 Club Eights won by Pink 8, No 6 A. B. Curjel, stroke E. C. Pearce.” Double skinned interior. Gilt interior. Marked underneath with artisan mark 泉記 (QUAN JI) and retailer’s mark LC.

Height – 13 cm / 5.1 inches

Weight – 305 grams / 9.81 ozt

Shanghai Rowing Club is one of the first rowing club in Asia. Inaugurated in May 1, 1863, SRC was located in Suzhou creek.