A LARGE 3.5 KG SILVER TRAY, FOR A COMPLETE TEA OR COFFEE SERVICE, CHINA, CIRCA 1900
Of octagonal and rectangular form, the border and field finely engraved with bamboo stalks and leaves against a finely stippled ground, all around a similarly shaped vacant cartouche, flanked by two angled loop handles. The base impressed with three marks.


Inscriptions:
To the back, ‘Silver’, ‘Nanking Store’, and 'Shunchang'.


Provenance
: From a private collection on 1111 Park Avenue, Manhattan, New York, USA.

Condition
: Very good condition with minor wear and manufacturing irregularities. Light scratches and minuscule nicks.

Weight: 3,449 g
Dimensions: Length 67.5 cm, Width 37.5 cm


During the 19th century,
the consumption of tea in Europe became a fashionable and prestigious habit. Although tea was initially introduced in the 17th century, it wasn't until the 19th century that tea became a common beverage among various social classes in Europe. This rise in popularity led to the development of tea-drinking rituals, the use of specialized tea-ware, and the establishment of social customs associated with tea.


Chinese export porcelains and silver articles
played a significant role in these tea-drinking ceremonies and became highly valued items among the European elite. They were regarded as status symbols, representing the owner's wealth and refinement. Exquisite trays, such as the current lot, served both functional and decorative purposes, showcasing the artistic and cultural connections between China and Europe during the 19th century. They exemplified the intricate craftsmanship of Chinese artisans and the appreciation for Eastern aesthetics in Europe at the time.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s London, 11 May 2010, lot 34
Price: GBP 3,500 or approx.
EUR 6,900
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Chinese export silver two-handled tray, mark of Hung Chong and Co., Canton and Shanghai, circa 1900
Expert remark: Compare the related engraved decoration and angled handles. Note the similar length (70.2 cm).


Auction result comparison:

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 22 August 2019, lot 4
Price: USD 4,750 or approx.
EUR 5,200
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Chinese export silver two-handled tray, mark of Ci, Hong Kong, retailed by Kwan Hing, Hong Kong, late 19th/early 20th century
Expert remark: Compare the related engraved decoration. Note the much smaller size (49.2 cm).




約1900年大銀盤，重近3,5公斤

呈八角長方形，折沿；盤内雕刻著竹子，折沿上有竹葉紋；托盤兩側有兩個環形手柄。 底座上刻有三個標記。


款識：
Silver；Nanking Store；順昌


來源：
美國紐約曼哈頓公園大道 1111 號私人收藏。

品相：
狀況非常好，有輕微磨損和製造缺陷。輕微劃痕和微小的刻痕。

重量：3,449 克
尺寸：長 67.5 厘米, 寬 37.5 厘米


拍賣結果比較：

形制：相近
拍賣：倫敦佳士得，2010年5月11日，lot 34
價格：GBP 3,500（相當於今日
EUR 6,900
）
描述：約1900年鴻昌款廣東和上海銀製雙耳盤
專家評論：比較相近的刻字裝飾和斜角手柄。請注意相似的長度(70.2厘米)。


拍賣結果比較：

形制：相近
拍賣：紐約佳士得，2019年8月22日，lot 4
價格：USD 4,750（相當於今日
EUR 5,200
）
描述：十九世紀末至二十世紀初香港銀製雙耳盤
專家評論：比較相近的刻字裝飾。請注意尺寸較小(49.2厘米)。