A LARGE CHINESE INSCRIBED SILVER 'FIVE DRAGON' BOWL

DATED 1908

The deep U-shaped body decorated in openwork and repoussé with five sinuous dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls, their scales and manes finely rendered, the largest jewel with an inscription reading '1908. Dr & Mrs J A Thomson from Liu-Tsz-Tsin Hankow', the beasts surrounded by stylised wisps of swirling clouds, all supported on a flared foot, the base impressed with punch marks reading 'Luen-Wo', 'Shanghai' and Guang Xin, together with a reticulated hardwood stand and a blue polymer liner, 35.3cm, 1.9kg. (3)

Provenance: from the collection of Joseph Alexander Thomson (d.c.1950) who worked in Hangzhou, previously known as Hankow, and thence by descent.

Luen-Wo was regarded as one of the best and most successful retail silversmiths in Shanghai.