This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver tea service consists of a teapot, cream jug and sugar bowl.
Each piece of this silver tea set has a square rounded form; the teapot features a cylindrical neck and the cream jug and sugar bowl bear circular tapering upper rims.
The surface of each piece is embellished with an impressive planish finish.
One side of each piece bears an impressive applied branch bordered cartouche, ornamented with embossed plum blossom illustrations, incorporating perched birds to the branches.
The other side features an incurved shaped panel ornamented with an iconic oriental undulating dragon design, emanating from cloud motifs.
The teapot is fitted with the original domed hinged cover surmounted with an embossed silver finial modelled in the form of a dragon's head.
This Chinese silver teapot is fitted with an embossed C shaped handle replicating the details of bamboo stalks.
The sugar bowl and cream jug are fitted with silver handles reflecting that of the teapot.
The surface of each piece is further ornamented with an embossed cloud decorated shaped panel, to the lower portion of each handle.
The teapot features an impressive silver planished swan necked spout.
The hallmarks struck to the underside of this antique Chinese tea set include:
Maker's mark: 涂慶芸 (Tu Qing Yun)
Assay mark: 江九 (Jiujiang, Guangdong Province)
NOTE: We are grateful to Adrien von Ferscht for his help in identifying this exceptional antique service.
Maker: Tu Qing Yun
