λ A FINE CHINESE SILVER TEA SERVICE

MID 19TH CENTURY

Of heavy gauge, comprising a teapot and cover and three further ovoid bowls and covers, all with repoussé and cast decoration depicting many figures amongst trees and pavilions in a rocky landscape, engaged in leisure activities and riding horses, bordered by elaborate arrangements of shells, flowers and foliage, each vessel supported on four feet formed as crouched figures, the teapot's handle formed as bamboo, the spout a dragon's head, the covers each surmounted by a scaly five-clawed dragon amongst clouds, their heads forming the knops, impressed marks to the base 'KHC' for Khecheong, 164oz, 30cm max. (7)

Provenance: an English private collection, purchased from Christie's London, 26th March 1980.

Cf. C L Crossman, The Decorative Arts of The China Trade, pp.352-358, where other examples of Khecheong's silverware are discussed.