Object size: 12.5 x 8.8 cm,
Object size: 14.1 x 10.4 cm,
Object size: 2.5 x 11.6 cm,
Object size: Refer to parts
The silver teapot, creamer and sugar bowl are decorated in all-over repousse motif of bamboo leaves and branches on a matted ground. Each has a smooth band around its waist, with a raised medallion containing a monogram, possibly “MA”. An example of Chinese export silver for the European market, the teapot is marked “CW” for Cum Wo, one of the first Chinese export silversmiths known active in Hong Kong since 1860.Sugar tongs were often sold along with tea sets as tea was so frequently sweetened with sugar. Earlier forms of sugar tongs with small, flat bowls were replaced with dished bowls, which became more practical for the job of gripping and moving the sugar lumps. This silver sugar tong has its dished bowls decorated in all-over repousse motif of bamboo leaves and branches on a matted ground, held by slender bamboo-form arms. An example of Chinese export silver for the European market, this sugar tong is part of a tea set with a retailer’s mark “CW” for Cum Wo.Whole sets of silver flatware and tea sets items were regularly produced from the 18th to mid-20th century. Though earlier pieces tended to imitate European aesthetics and motifs, increased awareness and demand resulted in the introduction of Chinese motifs and decorations. High quality workmanship at a low labour cost added greatly to the demand and appeal for such a market.
