An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique Chinese Export Silver egg cruet set for six persons; part of our Asian silverware collection

This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver egg cruet set consists of six egg cups and six associated spoons, displayed on a functional purpose-made stand.

The original hallmarked egg cups have a bell shaped form onto a plain circular spreading foot.

These egg cups are embellished with exceptional applied floral, tree peony designs, each incorporating a vacant circular cartouche to one side.

Each egg cup is further ornamented with a flared crimped rim and retains the original gilt interior.

The six associated hallmarked English sterling silver spoons have shell shaped bowls; these spoons were crafted by the London silversmith Solomon Hougham, in 1805.

Each egg cup and spoon are supported and displayed on the original leaf shaped stand, embellished with engraved details replicating the definition of the leaf"s texture and veins.

The surface of the stand bears six circular wells enabling the egg cups to stand securely in situ; these supports alternate with integrated pierced receivers for the six egg spoons.

The stand is further ornamented with an impressive scrolling handle realistically modelled in the form of a petiole (leaf stalk) accented with bifurcating leaf decorated terminals.

The stand is supported by three ball style feet, in addition to a bifurcating portion of stem forming a posterior foot.

The Chinese hallmarks struck to this silver egg cruet set includes:

Maker"s mark: KMS (Kwong Man Shing)

Character mark: Untraced

This Chinese silver egg cruet set is an exceptional gauge of silver for its type, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

The Chinese hallmarks struck to the surface of the stand and underside of each egg cup are all very clear.

The full British hallmarks to the reverse surface of each spoon are also very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this very fine example of antique silverware.

Length including all components 31.4cm/12.4"

Width including all components 24cm/9.4"

Height including all components 12.5cm/4.9"

Length of stand 29.3cm/11.5"

Width of stand 17.5cm/6.9"

Height of stand 10.1cm/4"

Diameter of egg cup5.2cm/2"

Diameter of egg cup base 3.5cm/1.4"

Height of egg cup 6.2cm/2.4"

Length of spoon 13.2cm/5.2"

24.5 troy ounces/763g

Date: Circa 1900

Origin: Hong Kong, China

Maker: Kwong Man Shing