A Chinese silver cast and chased vase with makers mark WC, probably for Wing Chung of Hong Kong (active c.1850-1900) and made for the export market c.1870

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Description

A Chinese silver cast and chased vase with makers mark WC, probably for Wing Chung of Hong Kong (active c.1850-1900) and made for the export market c.1870.
This impressive vase is a beautiful example of Chinese export silver. The shape of the vase, with applied handles, clearly derives from western models. The base of the vase, with its stylised acanthus leaf decoration, could be found on English silver during the Regency period and is repeated at the base of the neck which is then topped with a riotous display of vines and grapes before terminating in a plain bold lip.
The main body of the vase, however, is decorated with traditional Chinese scenes and motifs. The upper register shows a city from which several mounted officials can be seen emerging and looking down at the scene below. Within a landscape lusciously rendered with trees and rocks with a bridge over a river the main scene shows a hunt in progress. Groups of figures on foot and mounted are converging on the bridge where a mythical creature has been caught. The character grabbing the creature could be Zhong Kui the mythological vanquisher of ghosts and evil beings.
The two blank cartouches would suggest the vase could have been intended as a prize or commemorative piece or simply left for the new owner to add a coat of arms and inscription.
As Hong Kong grew in importance during the 19th century as a major trading port within the British Empire, a large ex patriot community grew up and flourished. The wealth generated created fresh markets for traditional craftsmen who adapted to the western taste while retaining traditional decorative formulas. Wing Chung was one of a group of such craftsmen based in Hong Kong in the latter part of the 19th century and his works are to be found throughout Europe, a testimony to the scale of trade during this period.

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Product REF: 10004