Possible Chinese Export teapot mark help needed...
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 3:59 am
I picked up this small teapot and I need some help with the markings. It's stone, with silver framework.
The marks translate as follows:
足銀　　zuyin, "sufficient" (i.e., pure) silver
光緒年製　Guangxu nian zhi "Made in the reign of Emperor Guangxu" (1875-1908)
The teapot looks to be of very recent manufacture, and I would doubt that its mountings are pure silver. In particular, the second mark is one frequently seen on late 19th century porcelain (and often imitated thereafter down to the present day), and would be extremely rare on a silver piece. If this nian zhi mark were authentic and of the period, it would be hand-carved or hand-engraved, not stamped.
Please note well that this is an opinion based on photographs. The surest way to determine actual silver content is to test the piece. Silver testing is discussed in detail in other posts on the forum.
Regards
DR