Antique Chinese Export Silver Open Salt Cellars with ladle spoons and lead crystal liners

This delightful pair of open salts were originally offered by Cum Wo who operated from his Queens Road Hong Kong retail location from 1860 with the artisan workshop mark is that of the Cantonese workshop of Hao. These open salts, while no longer retaining the very fragile original glass liners (replaced with a set of matching Czechoslovakian clear crystal as shown) ensure that these open salts retain the functionality for which they were designed. The execution by Hao seems akin to a “sampler” of traditional Chinese designs with alternating scalloped panels of Bamboo, prunus blossom and chrysanthemum displayed within the highly polished silver border atop of the elegant but utilitarian planished circular base. The works include a set of fine wire handled ladle spoons. The artisan mark for 豪 HAO (in Cantonese, HOU) and retail mark for Cum Wo are very clear and easily identifiable. An interesting fusion of cultures in design and form and well worth your consideration.

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