Early Chinese Export Silver Tea Service by Cutshing

An early set of Chinese export sterling silver tea service circa 1840-70s. The service consists of a lidded tea pot, a creamer and a sugar bowl. The surface was beautifully decorated with chased high-relief dragons with tightly chased scales, slithering with open claws. Dragon is one of the most auspicious motifs in Chinese traditional art and commonly used on export silverware. The knobs and handles were made in stylized bamboo shape. The bases are marked with two Chinese character "Hongxiang" which may indicate the silversmith and CUT (the mark used by Cutshing circa 1840-1870s). The measurement of the teapot is 5.25"h x 8.75" w x 5" d. The creamer measures 3"h x 5"w x 3.8"d: the sugar bowl measures: 3.5"h x 5.5"w x 3.8"d.
Cutshing (active circa 1825-1875) is the trading name of a company based in Canton (8 New China Street and Old China Street). It is famous for retailing luxury items in silver, ivory, jade as well as high quality filigree and enamel items. According to Chinese Export Silver expert Adrien Von Ferscht, the company seems likely to be the result of a partnership between the American trader John Perkins, Cutshing and Houqua, the most powerful merchant from Hong Kong. The company produced a large number of high-quality items.