This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver bachelor 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 birds in flight; this piece is double-skinned, as to be expected.
The teapot is fitted with the original domed hinged cover surmounted with an embossed silver finial modelled in the form of a lobed gourd/bud.
This Chinese silver teapot is fitted with a C scroll handle overlaid with an interwoven bamboo wicker, strategically interlaced to produce a segmented braided design.
The sugar bowl and cream jug are fitted with silver handles replicating the details of two conjoined bamboo stalks.
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 spout; the spout junction of the teapot and cream jug are perpendicular to the handles.
The hallmarks struck to the underside of this antique Chinese tea set include:
Maker's mark: Tu Mao Xing (a maker and a retailer)
Assay mark: Jiujiang, Guangdong Province
NOTE: We are grateful to Adrien von Ferscht for his help in identifying this exceptional antique service.
Maker: Tu Mao Xing
