A Chinese Export Silver Reticulated Dragon Bowl, Mark of Luen Wo and Yi Chang, Shanghai, circa 1900
A Chinese export silver bowl, Shanghai, circa 1900, of circular form, raised on a plain circular foot. The sides are finely reticulated and chased with dragons moving among scrolling clouds and flaming pearls, the openwork design creating a strong sense of movement and depth. The dragons are rendered with detailed scales, curling bodies, whiskers, claws, and expressive heads, while the surrounding cloud scrolls fill the composition with rhythmic energy. The interior well is left plain and polished, providing a striking contrast to the highly worked exterior.
The underside bears the Chinese mark “益昌” and the initials “LW,” identifying the piece with Luen Wo, one of the best-known Chinese export silver firms active in Shanghai during the late Qing period. Luen Wo produced finely crafted silver wares for both domestic elite patrons and the Western export market, often combining traditional Chinese auspicious motifs with forms suited to international taste. Dragon imagery was especially favored in Chinese export silver, symbolizing power, prosperity, protection, and imperial authority.
This bowl is a fine example of the technical sophistication of late Qing export silver. The reticulated body required careful piercing and chasing, allowing the dragons and clouds to appear almost sculptural while retaining the delicacy of silver openwork. Its compact size, finely detailed decoration, and clear maker’s marks make it a representative example of Shanghai export silver around 1900.
Dimensions: H. 2 1/2 inches (6.3 cm); Diameter 4 3/8 inches (11.1 cm). Weight: 141 grams.
清末约1900年 上海 益昌、LW款 外销银镂空龙纹碗
此件外销银碗约制于清末1900年前后，上海制作。器呈圆形，平口，圈足，内壁光素，外壁通体以镂空及錾刻工艺装饰龙纹、祥云及火珠纹。龙身盘旋穿行于云气之间，鳞片、龙须、爪部及头部刻画细密，层次丰富，具有强烈的动感与立体效果。外壁繁密精工的镂雕纹饰，与内壁素净抛光的银面形成鲜明对比。
底部刻中文款“益昌”及英文缩写“LW”，应为上海著名外销银楼 Luen Wo 之标记。Luen Wo 是晚清至民国初年上海重要的外销银器商号之一，其作品多面向中外客户，常将中国传统吉祥纹样与西方市场喜爱的器形相结合。龙纹是中国外销银器中最具代表性的装饰题材之一，象征权威、尊贵、祥瑞与护佑。
此碗虽尺寸不大，但工艺精细，尤其是透雕龙纹与云纹部分，需要先进行细密镂空，再以錾刻强化鳞片、云气与火珠细节，使整体装饰呈现近似浮雕的效果。清晰的“益昌”与“LW”款识，也使其成为研究晚清上海外销银器及Luen Wo银楼制作的重要实例。
尺寸：高2 1/2英寸（6.3厘米）；直径4 3/8英寸（11.1厘米）。重量：141克。
Tarnish, minor surface wear and scratches. Overall good condition. For condition report, please contact the Asian Art Department.
