Chinese export silver – Hoaching

Large Chinese Export Silver Standing Cup and Cover by Hoaching

This tall, impressive standing cup and cover by the nineteenth century Chinese export silver maker Hoaching stands on six unusual leafy scrolling feet which give the impression of the cup rising out of a cloud. The base from which the feet are emitted is chased finely in relatively high relief with six separate Chinese scenes. The stem is engraved with grape vines and grapes (or at least a nineteenth century Chinese interpretation of grapes).

The body of the cup is magnificently chased on one side with an elaborate scene whereby the Eight Immortals (

Ba Xian) and a multitude of other immortals and minor gods and goddesses pay obeisance to the chief god in Heaven who is shown astride a dragon.

The other side features a blank armorial cartouche which is surrounded by various ancient Chinese battle scenes with flags and shields held aloft, all amid generous trees and shrubbery.

The two sides are separated by an expansive willow on one side and a conifer on the other, as well as prominent, elaborate, European-style hollow-cast leaf and flower handles.

The neck of the cup is cast with a floral and leaf flourish on both sides. This rises to a rounded, everted lip that is finely chased right the way around with Chinese village scenes.

The domed lid sits within the mouth of the cup. It too is chased with a band of Chinese scenes, and is surmounted by a dramatic cast and engraved leafy bud.

The piece is stamped to the base with what is known as the ‘Hoaching H’ or ‘Lombardic H’ mark and also an artisan’s mark which translates as ‘

Xi‘. This is the same mark that appears on a celebrated tea service by Hoaching published in Marlowe (1990, p. 35).

According to Marlowe in relation to Hoaching, ‘all pieces bearing this mark are of a very high standard of workmanship; many are of impressive size, elegance and distinctive form.’ And indeed, this is the case with this piece.

Hoaching was one of the leading makers of fine Chinese export silver in the nineteenth century. The firm was located on Honan Island in what is now Guangdong (Canton). Other works by Hoaching are in the Peabody Museum of Salem and the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston).

This example is splendid piece without dents, splits or repairs. The detail has also remained crisp with little loss in definition from excessive polishing.

Forbes, H.A.C. et al, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1885, Museum of the American China Trade, 1975.

Marlowe, A.J.,

Chinese Export Silver, John Sparks, 1990.

UK art market