{"product_id":"antique-chinese-export-silver-box-wang-15539","title":"Antique Chinese Export Silver Plum Blossom Box, Wang Hing, Qing Dynasty, Circa 1900","description":"\u003cp\u003eCirca 1900, this exquisite solid silver cylindrical box is a fine example of late Qing Dynasty Chinese Export Silver, retailed by the renowned firm Wang Hing \u0026amp; Co., one of the most prestigious names associated with Chinese Export Silver (CES). Operating from Hong Kong, Canton, and later Shanghai during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Wang Hing supplied beautifully crafted silverwares to an affluent international clientele and remains one of the most sought-after makers among collectors today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeautifully hand-crafted from solid 900 silver, the exterior is richly decorated in high-relief repoussé and chased work depicting blossoming Prunus (plum blossom) branches winding gracefully around both the lid and body. The finely stippled ground creates a striking contrast against the polished silver borders, allowing the delicately modelled flowers and buds to stand out with remarkable depth and definition. In Chinese culture, the plum blossom is one of the most treasured motifs, symbolising perseverance, resilience, purity and the promise of renewal as it flowers while winter still lingers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpening the securely fitting lid reveals the original fire-gilded interior, which remains wonderfully bright after more than a century. This luxurious gold wash was traditionally applied not only for decoration but also to protect the silver from corrosion and prevent salt, spices, cosmetics, damp tobacco or other contents from reacting with the metal. Its compact proportions make it ideal as a traditional pill, snuff, spice or trinket box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base is fully hallmarked with \"WH\" for Wang Hing \u0026amp; Co., a partial \"90\" stamp for 90% silver standard, together with the Chinese artisan's chop mark \"昌\" (Chang), a workshop mark attributed by most researchers to the respected silversmith Shun Chang, whose work is renowned for its exceptional quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe box remains in excellent antique condition. The repoussé decoration is crisp and beautifully preserved throughout, with no splits, significant dents, repairs or evidence of heavy crushing. The lid opens and closes securely, while the original gilt interior retains an exceptional amount of its rich golden finish with only light age-related wear consistent with careful use over the past century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMETAL: 900 Silver (Chinese Export Silver)\u003cbr\u003e\nMAKER: Wang Hing \u0026amp; Co.\u003cbr\u003e\nORIGIN: China (Hong Kong \/ Canton)\u003cbr\u003e\nPERIOD: Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900\u003cbr\u003e\nSIZE: 4.8 cm (1.9 in) diameter × 3.8 cm (1.5 in) high\u003cbr\u003e\nWEIGHT: 43.3 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA beautifully preserved example of Chinese Export Silver from one of the period's most celebrated retailers, combining elegant symbolism, superb craftsmanship and fully documented Wang Hing hallmarks, making it an outstanding addition to any collection of Chinese silver or fine antique decorative objects.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercy Madge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56339870908795,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3256\/8203\/files\/il_fullxfull.8255565484_31q7.jpg?v=1784286091","url":"https:\/\/mercymadge.com\/de\/products\/antique-chinese-export-silver-box-wang-15539","provider":"Mercy Madge ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}