Chinese Tea Caddy

[byronbay55]

Hi!

Anyone who can interpret the hallmarks on a Chinese Tea Caddy?



Best,
Thomas

[FTJJ]

The Chinese characters are "聲元 Sheng Yuan" "足紋 pure silver". Sheng Yuan is name of a silver workshop who operated in Beijing during early to mid 20th century.

Hope this helps.

Best,
FTJJ

[FTJJ]

It is worth mentioning that "Sheng Yuan" is a phonetic translation of "聲元" but not really its name.

FTJJ

[dognose]

Sheng Yuan was recorded at 4, Silver Street, Peking and 349, Yates Road, Shanghai. His business was also known as the 'Peking Silver Temple'.

Thomas, can we see an image of the whole item?

Trev.

[dognose]

Confusingly, there were two silversmiths named Sheng Yuan operating in Peking at this time, with apparently no connection with one another. The addresses given above relate to the other Sheng Yuan and, in this instance, should be ignored.

Trev.

[dognose]

Some small details regarding both Sheng Yuan's have now been added to:

Chinese Export Silver & Far East Trade Information

Trev.

[byronbay55]

Hi!

Thank you all!

Here is a photo of the item:



It was found in my fathers collection af Brittish 18th c silver collection, I was a bit surprised to find it there. I've bought CHINESE EXPORT SILVER 1785-1940 THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTORS’ GUIDE RESEARCHED AND WRITTEN BY ADRIEN VON FERSCHT. Is this the reference guide you guys are using as well or is it more out there?

Best,
Thomas

[dognose]

Hi Thomas,

That is indeed the reference (4th Edition) that I use. Forum member Adrien von Ferscht updates his excellent well-researched work about once a year.

Trev.

[byronbay55]

Hi!

Thank you. Yes it's an excellent reference. Just sold the caddy at an auction here in Sweden, kind of regret it ;)
//T

[zheng_jeffrey]

Sheng Yuan (Canton & Shanghai) Circa 1890 - 1940