188 - AN IMPORTANT CHINESE EXPORT SILVER PRESENTATION CUP

AN IMPORTANT CHINESE EXPORT SILVER PRESENTATION CUP China, Shanghai, dated 1900 (Gengzi year), H 31.5 cm, 2056 g. Flanked by dragon handles, featuring a high-relief design of a dragon amidst clouds, incised with the four-character motto He Chong Gong Ji (“Working Together in Harmony”) and an 8-column historical presentation inscription. The base is stamped “LUENWO” and bears an artisan’s seal mark; the side is stamped with the purity mark “Wen Yin” (Standard Silver). This fine presentation cup bears a historical inscription documenting the events of the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 (Gengzi year) in Yantai (Chefoo), Shandong Province. Presented by Li Xijie (Superintendent of the East Customs / Yantai Maritime Customs), the cup honors John Noel Tratman, the British Consul stationed in Yantai during the crisis. The text notes that while the Shandong region was at the epicenter of the conflict, peace was maintained thanks to the concerted efforts of local and foreign officials. Following the uprising, foreign consuls were awarded imperial Chinese decorations (Order of the Double Dragon). However, British consular regulations prohibited Consul Tratman from accepting foreign honors. To express gratitude and formal recognition, this silver presentation cup was specially commissioned and presented as a tribute. * The full tax is charged on this item marked *; that is, VAT is charged on the amount and will be refunded to purchasers upon presentation of a validly stamped export declaration.