Inkwell with Silver Dragon Lid

This is an example of a Chinese Export Silver (CES) mounted inkwell, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century.

Detailed Description

• The Lid: The focal point is the domed, hinged metal lid—likely sterling silver or high-grade export silver (90%)—featuring a high-relief, repoussé dragon. The dragon is depicted in a classic Chinese style, coiling around the dome with detailed scales and a prominent head. In Chinese mythology, this often represents the dragon chasing the “flaming pearl” of wisdom.
• The Body: The base is made of heavy cut glass in a square, tapering shape. The glass features a starburst or “strawberry diamond” cut on the underside.
• The Construction: The lid is attached via a silver collar and a hinge. When opened, it reveals a simple circular well.

Origin & Manufacturer

• Origin: This is a hybrid piece. The silver lid was almost certainly made in China (likely in Canton, Hong Kong, or Shanghai) specifically for the Western export market. During this era, Chinese silversmiths like Wang Hing, Zee Wo, or Tuck Chang were world-renowned for their high-relief dragon motifs.
• The Glass: The glass base may be English or American. It was common for Chinese silversmiths to import high-quality Western glass blanks (like those from Stourbridge in England or Corning in the U.S.) and fit them with custom silver mounts for export back to the West.

Estimated Age

• Circa 1890–1915: This style—combining heavy cut glass with exotic, “Orientalist” silverwork—was at the height of its popularity during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. The hinge style and the specific diamond-cut pattern on the glass are very consistent with the turn of the 20th century.