Chinese Export Silver or “China Trade Silver” is an antique that we consider to be lost art.

Why? 

It was a process of discovery that China’s silversmiths were creating exquisite pieces for Westerners during the China Trade period.

Chinese Export Silver’s early works were intended to replicate functional objects in European style. Chinese silversmiths were able to reproduce Western examples by showing them Western examples. Sometimes, they only changed the letter that indicated the year that it was made. This was accomplished by replacing the Chinese maker’s initials. On pieces that were intended for export, some Chinese silversmiths added their initials in English. Dealers and buyers have been led to believe that they have found a piece made by an American smith. This has led to more pieces of Chinese Silver being found on dining room sideboards. They are either displayed in corner cabinets or hidden in silver drawers.

Many hallmarks are in Chinese characters and some bear the name of a retail shop or silversmith firm. Silversmiths began to stamp their pieces with pseudo-English hallmarks and/or chinese silver marks . These could have been derived from flatware that was brought in by travelers.

Just as Chinese potters produced porcelain for Western consumers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Chinese silversmiths also created elaborately-decorated objects for international clients. Chinese silversmiths were able to copy European models and add Chinese motifs such as the dragon and the phoenix, and scenes from life at the Chinese court. It was a beautiful fusion of the East and West. These fascinating pieces combine Western styles with Asian decorations such as dragons, bamboo and Chinese landscapes. They are a reflection of the long-standing cultural exchange between East and West.

The Time-Line for Chinese Trade

Portuguese arrived in China (1514).

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach China by sea and the first Europeans to discover Hong Kong. Afonso, Viceroy of Estado Da India, sent Rafael Perestrello, an Italian, to sail to China in 1514 to establish European trade relations. In 1557, the Portuguese gained territorial rights at Macao.

1637: British arrived in China

After forcing passage through the Bogue, Captain Weddell of Great Britain landed successfully at Canton in 1637. He also opened trade negotiations for the East India Company with the Chinese.

Tea Export (Beginning 1652- )

Tea was a key export product from China to Britain. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, tea imports from China grew to millions of lbs.

Canton System (1757i, 1/2 – 1842).

Whampoa Anchorage, Macau and the Canton

Jusqu’au 17th century, western traders could only conduct business in Macau (a Portuguese enclave 75 mi south of Canton). The Chinese government kept western traders in Canton from 1757 to 1842. This was created to keep foreigners under strict control.

Opium as a medium of exchange (1825 – 1826)

The British East India Company accumulated a large debt for silk, tea, and lacquerware. The Opium Wars were triggered by the unfavorable trade balance between Britain and China, and the resentment at China’s restrictive trading policies. In 1825, the British introduced opium into China. Soon, Chinese became addicted to the drug.

First Opium War (1839 – 1842)

The number of Chinese opium addicts grew to four to twelve million, and the Daoguang Emperor banned opium.

The First Opium War started in March 1839 when Lin Zexu, a Chinese representative of Emperor Lin, attacked British opium-carrying ships near Canton. Lin also prohibited foreigners from leaving Canton and held them hostage until the opium was turned. The British were furious and the first Opium War was started.

The Treaty of Nanking (1842).

Two Manchu imperial commissioners signed the Treaty of Nanjing on board a British warship in August 1842. The Chinese surrendered Hong Kong island to the British “in perpetuity”, opened five ports for European trade, and required China to pay $21 million indemnity (around $500m in today’s money) and minimal tariffs on imports. China was also obliged to accept opium from the East India Company.

Second Opium War (1857-1861)

After Chinese officials searched for pirates, the crew of the British vessel Arrow were arrested. The Second Opium War started on October 8, 1856. The British sent a military expedition to China in response to the Chinese officials’ attempt at lowering the British flag. This time, they were joined by French troops, who had aspirations in China, and were protesting the death of one of their missionaries.

Treaty of Tientsin (1858).

After British troops occupied Tianjin, Beijing, and British gunboats bombarded Tianjin fortresses, the war ended 1858. The Treaty of Tianjin (1858) was signed by the Chinese.

Trade expanded

The 18th and 19th century saw a rise in trade with Europe. French and British traders who established shops on the East Coast China received favorable concessions.