Wand Hing Chinese Export Silver and Jadeite Inkstand

This inkstand is a superb example of Chinese export silver, blending a Western-style desk accessory with Chinese craftsmanship and the use of precious materials. The piece is made of high-quality silver with meticulously chased ornamentation.

The most prominent design feature is a single, large Imperial Dragon that wraps its body around the entire base of the inkstand. The dragon is rendered with incredible detail, including its scales, powerful claws, and expressive face.

The inkwells are carved from jadeite or a similar translucent stone. The inkwells are held in place by the silver base, which also features an integrated pen holder at the rear. This holder is formed by two detailed dragons that are facing forward, their bodies inverted to create a cradle for pens.

The underside of the piece is marked with the hallmark “WH” for the Wand Hing silver workshop, a renowned firm from Canton (Guangzhou) active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mark “90” indicates the silver’s purity, meaning it is .900 silver (90% pure), a common standard for export goods of this period.

This inkstand represents the pinnacle of Chinese Export Silver artistry. Its use of both fine silver and precious carved stone, combined with the powerful symbolism of the Imperial Dragon, makes it a valuable example of a high-end luxury good created for the international market.