China, Republic. An Export Silver Cigar Box with Dragon Reliefs, by Nanking Store, c.1900

(Silver). Antique. A rectangular box with a silver exterior and a wood lining. The silver exterior bears three three-clawed dragons on a finely pebbled background. The edges of the box are smooth. The box is fitted with a silver hinged lid with one of the three dragons curled around a raised oval. The lid bears a segmented tab for opening and closing. The sides of the box feature two dragons. The interior contains a wooden lining. The bottom of the box is smooth and bears the mark “NK” for Nanking Store, Shanghai (c.1845-1940). It also bears a Chinese mark. Measuring 95.03mm (w) x 168mm (l) x 58.18mm (h). Weighing 575 grams. Light wear, minor scratches on bottom, and dark patina on dragon details, in overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Chinese export silver was produced from the late 18th to the early 20th century. It was produced in European taste to be exported to Europe and traded from the Canton Port via the Chinese Canton System. Early examples of Chinese Export Silver featured predominantly European designs, but in the 19th century traditional Chinese symbols began to be incorporated into items, which included dragons and Chinese landscapes. After the Opium Wars from 1839-1860, the Qing Dynasty became a major exporter of fine Chinese goods, including silver, tea, porcelain. Further trading ports were established during the Qing’s dynasty. Most of the Chinese Export Silver was made in Shanghai or Tientsin. Sometimes Chinese silversmiths would copy or partially copy European maker marks , which created a type of Chinese pseudo-hallmark. Other times, Chinese silversmiths created marks of their own, but there is no known organized system to determine all of the original Chinese maker marks.

Dragons are a traditional Chinese symbol and hold a lot of importance in Chinese culture. The emperor was represented by the dragon. Om Chinese Export Silver, dragons were the most commercial decorative element and worth more than a piece decorated with bamboo, flowers or a landscape. Pieces with traditional Chinese symbols on them represent the long-standing cultural and economic relationship between China and Europe.

This cigar box was made by Nanking Store, Shanghai. Nanking Store operated from c.1845 to 1940. It is different from the Nanking Jewellery Company, which often went by the same name.