Reference Number: D10634

Antique 19th-century Chinese solid silver cigar box featuring smooth surfaces on all sides and a striking high-relief dragon embossed on the lid. The interior is fully lined with dark wood, including the base. The box is hallmarked with the Chinese silver mark "KW" (Kwan Wo), originating from Canton and Hong Kong.

Kwan Wo was an important Chinese retail silversmith, located in Canton and Hong Kong. The manufacturer was among the most prolific Chinese retail silversmiths, whose store could offer a wide range of silver pieces of all shapes and styles.

Kwan Wo products did not belong to any particular style or movement. On the contrary, the manufacturer experimented with styles and shapes, “creating something totally Chinese-looking even though the object and its use were not particularly Chinese per se” (A. Von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940, 4th edition 2015, page 418.). For instance, Kwan Wo executed an absolutely stunning and outstanding pagoda form table cigar lighter, that most likely was repeated in several examples.

If there is a certain feature that Kwan Wo silver pieces are characterized by, then it is definitely organic decor and especially bamboo elements. Beautifully crafted elegant bamboo-shaped legs and handles make Kwan Wo tea services recognizable and so appealing to customers.

The master’s trademark, KW, can be mistakenly taken for another craftsman’s hallmark, Kwong Wa, however the two artisans have nothing in common. Nor should Kwan Wo be confused with another Chinese silversmith, called Kwan Wo in some dialects. The latter’s official name is Kun He and, in contrast to Kwan Wo of Canton and Hong Kong he was based in Shanghai and only crafted silver wares, but never retailed.