Beautiful antique Chinese silver rosewater sprinkler from the 1800s. The sprinkler has cultural significance as it is associated with Judaica, Islamic, Muslim, and Jewish traditions.

This antique Chinese silver sprinkler was made in the middle of the 19th century. Despite its age, it can still be easily disassembled by unscrewing the various parts, which allows the globular container to be filled with scent. The rose, or sprinkler, is in the shape of a flower, ornamented with chasing, which tops an elegant elongated neck flaring gently outwards towards the top and bottom. The neck is encircled and ornamented with flowers and leaves. A knop ornaments the short stem between the globular body and the pedestal foot.

Four panels of ornament, of four different designs, adorn the top of the foot.Framed and showing flowers, buds and foliage, a popular Chinese design. These panels have been ornamented using repousse and chased techniques.

The reservoir which contains the rosewater has a border of flowers and foliage. The leaves arch and curl, leaves and the centres of the flowers have been finely and expertly chased showing great expertise.

The Sprinkler has two silver marks to the side of the base,looks to be between the years of 1840 and 1880, approx The photo of the underside of the vessel also shows a distinctive quadri-lobed nut, a characteristic and distinctive shape which is only ever found on silver objects of Chinese origin. (Picture shown)

(These silversmiths created a wide range of objects including items of Judaica and Islamic silver of Chinese form but with little Chinese ornamentation, suggesting that a significant portion of their clients were either Muslim or Jewish. Rosewater sprinklers were used ceremonially by Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews as well as by Muslims, at weddings, feasts and in welcoming ceremonies. There were a significant number of affluent Jewish and Muslim merchants living in Hong Kong and China who were involved in the China Trade during the late 19th century. They came mainly from India, the Middle East or countries along the Silk Road as did other traders living in these parts who were also involved in trading with China.) interesting facts from the internet , please see the pictures as they are part of my description. Thank you for looking and enjoy.