This oval  tazza was made in China and then imported by Edward & Sons of Glasgow.  Just occasionally we are lucky enough to find pieces with import marks.

The firm was established in 1838 by George Edward, they lasted 125 years until they were acquired by Mappin & Webb in 1963 (Culme, Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, page 136). They were a prestigious firm, they supplied the Freedom Casket awarded by the City of London to African explorer Stanley in 1887.  They were appointed to the crown

Over the years I have found several pieces of Chinese Export silver with import marks for Edwards & Sons – always of the finest quality and this tazza reflects this standard

Bamboo and dragons are worked within corded lorgnettes in intricate detail.  The bamboo motif has been chased and pierced on the oval foot

Bamboo symbolises strength , reslience , flexibility and longevity

Dragons symbolise symbolizes power, good fortune, and strength and are associated with auspicious traits like intelligence, ambition and charisma

I hate to use the word “awesome” but this is an awesome piece

The scalloped bowl has six pierced and repousse worked panels – two of dragons, two of plum blossom and two of chrysanthemums .

Each of these motifs has great symbolism:

Dragons symbolise prosperity and good fortune, embodying a positive force in spiritual journeys.

Plum blossom symbolises perseverance and hope, beauty as well as thriving in adverse circumstances!

Chrysanthemums symbolise a prosperous life, positive growth, joy, and unwavering optimism

The bowl stands on three cast dragon feet .

The bowl has a closely fitting contemporary cranberry red glass liner

Once again we see the superb quality of pieces coming from the Wang Hing atelier

The dish has twelve petals each repousse and pierced worked with the chrysanthemum motif

The  chrysanthemum symbolises happiness, love, longevity, and joy.  It blooms through the frost 

This petal form is often found in small bon bon dishes but this large Chinese Export silver serving dish is exceptional

Fine work and fine condition

The pierced body is hand engraved with bamboo and the basket stands on four bamboo feet.

Bamboo symbolises resilience – it bends in the wind and comes back up

A perfect wedding or anniversary present

Excellent condition.

This fine presentation bowl has applied flowering plum blossom branches symbolising new beginnings.

Birds nestle amongst the blossoms

The gallery top is most unusual.  The pierced gallery is worked with flowering chrysanthemums – that bloom through the frost

For sure this piece was specially commissioned  – most likely for a wedding but also maybe for a silver wedding anniversary

This double skinned export silver bowl has a fine four clawed dragon worked on the outer polished surface.

The dragon symbolises strenght and virility.  Four claws on a dragon was usually reserved for high officials. but most of the Chinese EXport silver pieces show dragons with four clawas.  Only the Emporer got five claws.

The top has a reeded border.

Fabulous quality and weight

Early pieces of Chinese Export were copies of western pieces.

This bowl is a very good example decorated as it is with acanthus leaves – which symbolise enduring life and are often seen on the top of Corinthian columns – and is very heavy.

Early pieces of Chinese Export silver were much heavier than their Western counterparts.  The silversmiths were paid by weight and only a small percentage for craftsmanship.

What is extra special about this bowl is the pseudo hallmarks seen on the base.  The early Chinese silversmiths copied everything – down to those funny little marks on the back.

A piece for the collector.

There are two reserves – one engraved with the date 1903 and the other empty – presumably for the future winners.  We know the 1903 winner – FW Poate.

There are alternating panels of bamboo and plum blossom

Repousse worked dragons are set in lozenges as a border

A piece for the collector

The chrysanthemum ( that blooms through the frost) is the main motif but the border and star burst line around the oval centre is more Western in form.

Plum blossom – for new beginnings – has been worked on the convex stand

Perfect as a wedding or anniversary gift  it could even have been used to hold the bridal flowers at a wedding

Bamboo for resilience

Plum blossom for new beginnings

Chrysanthemums that bloom through the frost

All worked around a tranquil scene

The perfect recipe for a marriage