China's Ancient Silverware
By admin on 2015-01-08

Chinese silver has a long history of culture and numerous categories, each with its own characteristic charm.

According to historical records, the earliest stone tools were used before the Warring States Period. After that came pottery, jade, and bronzes.

Gold in the Shang Dynasty, silver first appeared in the Warring States Period (The silver gourd-shaped ladle of warring states at Beijing palace museum), silver appearance is also affected by the bronze.

Many early Chinese silver pieces appear as geometric motifs, toads, dragon and phoenix, flying lions, deer horses, and animals, flowers and herbs, Knife carving, engraving, wire wrapped, gilt, mosaic and other craft production, show the early silver’s magnificent style.

A large number of exquisite, colorful silver crafts appeared in the Tang Dynasty.

During the Tang period, agriculture, handicrafts, art and culture and other fields, were at the forefront of the times, unparalleled abroad.

Silverware saw an unprecedented boom during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

At that time children's bonnets included decorated silver jewelry of up to 50 pieces.

The bonnet’s first layer had 18, the second layer had nine, the third layer had five, the fourth layer had the lion, three tiger-head, cap flowers around the left and right, and so on to a total of 54 pieces.

Children's chest of silver were also popular.

The design was meant to spread good wishes and expectations to the next generation.

Folks believed silverware could decorate life through rich and elegant displays, but also play a role in spreading blessings, longevity, security and peace.

Silver played an integral role in the regeneration and prosperity of the family.

Today, few people are interested in silver bowls.

A collector of ancient silver may also focus on British and European continental silver before the 19th century, especially silver tableware and silver tea sets.

In fact, the ancient Chinese made exquisite silver.

Unfortunately, very few remain intact.

Those from the Han Dynasty are available only for museum viewing.

A small number of silver containers from the Song Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty survive.

They inherited the Tang Dynasty’s gold and silver production and decorative skills, and created another style.

The Song Dynasty’s silver tray has rhombus shaped flowers, a modern design, six arc-shaped folding edges, and a flower top to create a harmonious whole.

The Song’s silver cup, silver beans, and silver pot also have their own characteristics, which is difficult to imitate.

Today, silver seems to have lost its traditional position in society.

Very few have mastered the skills of a silversmith, and some forging processes are almost lost. Silver is present only in jewelry-based products at the mall, and many young people go to Europe to seek the current designs, their own ancient craftsmanship but forgotten.

Chinese silverware culture status and cultural historical value should not be forgotten in the cultural history.