Antique Chinese Export Silver Teapot | Luen Hing, Shanghai | Applied Plum Blossom & Chrysanthemum Decoration | c.1900

Slender plum branches and curling chrysanthemum petals unfold across the rounded silver body, creating a floral composition with depth and movement.

Dating to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, this Chinese export silver teapot was retailed by Luen Hing of Shanghai. The underside bears the firm’s “LH” mark alongside the Chinese character “坦” (Tan). Its low, rounded body is balanced by an upward-curving spout and an arched handle.

Luen Hing was one of the Shanghai firms trading in Chinese export silver during this period. Its mark appears on tea services, boxes and trays, often accompanied by a separate Chinese artisan or workshop mark, reflecting the relationship between retailers and the craftsmen who supplied them.

Plum blossom and chrysanthemums decorate the body. Branches extend around its curved surface, carrying open flowers and small buds, while layered chrysanthemum petals alternate with curling leaves. Areas of polished silver between the motifs give each floral spray room to stand out.

The decoration is applied: separately formed silver elements are soldered onto the body, creating pronounced relief. Raised edges cast delicate shadows across the surface, while the petals, leaves and branching stems retain finely worked details.

The spout and handle are modelled with bamboo-style nodes, complementing the floral ornament. A circular hinged cover with a ball finial completes the restrained silhouette, while the flat base provides a stable resting surface.

In Chinese artistic tradition, plum blossom is associated with resilience, chrysanthemum with quiet dignity and bamboo with humility and integrity. Together, these motifs bring a scholarly character to a vessel made for the pleasures of tea and hospitality.

Details

• Period: Late nineteenth to early twentieth century, circa 1900
• Origin: China
• Retailer: Luen Hing, Shanghai
• Marks: “LH” and the Chinese character “坦” (Tan)
• Metal: Silver, tested; no numerical fineness mark visible
• Decoration: Applied plum blossom, chrysanthemums, branches and foliage
• Form: Low rounded body, bamboo-style spout and handle, hinged cover
• Overall length: Approximately 23cm, including spout and handle
• Height: Approximately 10cm
• Gross weight: Approximately 486g

Condition

Good antique condition, with well-defined applied floral decoration. The silver shows surface scratches and signs of use consistent with age, particularly to the underside. The base is flat. Please examine the photographs for details of condition.

📦 Shipping

【📦 Worldwide shipping from London, UK】

Carefully packed and dispatched from London, UK. Worldwide shipping available, with tracking details provided after dispatch.