Elaborate Silver Open-work Opium Lamp Base
Vietnam, 19th century
height: 8cm, diameter: 12cm
This exquisitely worked silver lamp base is the product of
Chinese silversmiths most probably in Vietnam. It is finely
pierced and chased with swirling dragons and bamboo motifs. It
sits on six legs each of which is decorated with either a dragon
head or tail. The interior of the stand is also pierced and has
two dragons amid stylised cloud motifs.
The base is marked with two shop marks. Each comprises the
letters 'RYY' or possibly 'KYY' and an indistinct mark which
appears to be a Chinese ideogram. Overall, the level of
craftsmanship is superb.
It is possible that the lamp is of mainland Chinese workmanship.
However, the style is more in keeping with Vietnamese motifs
and no mainland Chinese silversmith using the mark RYY (or
KYY) has been published.
An opium lamp base such as this would have belonged to a
wealthy aristocrat or merchant.
Inventory no.: 508
Vietnam, 19th century
height: 8cm, diameter: 12cm
This exquisitely worked silver lamp base is the product of
Chinese silversmiths most probably in Vietnam. It is finely
pierced and chased with swirling dragons and bamboo motifs. It
sits on six legs each of which is decorated with either a dragon
head or tail. The interior of the stand is also pierced and has
two dragons amid stylised cloud motifs.
The base is marked with two shop marks. Each comprises the
letters 'RYY' or possibly 'KYY' and an indistinct mark which
appears to be a Chinese ideogram. Overall, the level of
craftsmanship is superb.
It is possible that the lamp is of mainland Chinese workmanship.
However, the style is more in keeping with Vietnamese motifs
and no mainland Chinese silversmith using the mark RYY (or
KYY) has been published.
An opium lamp base such as this would have belonged to a
wealthy aristocrat or merchant.
Inventory no.: 508
