Antique Peranakan Straits Chinese Solid Silver Ice Bucket Or Basket, Meihe, C1900

An antique Straits Chinese or Peranakan solid-silver ice bucket or basket, made by the Chinese silversmith Meihe around 1900.

Of tapering octagonal form, the vessel stands upon four rounded feet and is fitted with two angular swing handles. The exterior is finely repoussé and chased with alternating panels of flowering plants, scrolling foliage and a horse amid stylised clouds.

In Chinese art, the horse is an auspicious emblem of perseverance, advancement and success.

The underside bears the Chinese marks 美和, identifying the maker or workshop Meihe, and 足銀, meaning “pure silver” or “solid silver.” Above these characters is a separate mark that appears to comprise the numerals “11,” probably an artisan’s, workshop or production-control mark.

Silver bearing the Meihe mark has been associated with Chinese silversmiths working for the Peranakan or Nyonya communities of Southeast Asia, possibly in Thailand, Singapore or Malaya.

The object was probably intended as a small ice bucket or serving basket and may alternatively have been used as a ceremonial offering vessel.

Late 19th or Early 20th century.

Height excluding handles: 11.5 cm

Weight: approximately 250 grams

Condition: Good condition.

Authenticity guaranteed. A certificate of authenticity will be issued by the seller.

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I am an English antique dealer living in rural southern France and offer a fully bilingual service.

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I have worked professionally in Asian art for more than 50 years and was formerly a senior auctioneer and specialist in London.