Antique Chinese Export Silver Christening Mug Tankard Shagreen Case (4749)

Antique Chinese Export Silver mug or small tankard in it's original English shagreen leather fitted case. Made circa 1850 by Custing, Canton, send-third quarter of the 19th century. 

Measurements: height of the case is a little over 4 inches. The mug/tankard is almost 3/4inches tall. Weighs 83 grams. 

Small tapered silver tankard or mug, as it is referred to in the book on Chinese Export Silver - the Chan Collection. Classic shape, if a little more elongated and elegant than most. Naturalistically formed handle in the shape of a gnarled branch. The body of the tankard is engraved and chased with a variety of Chinese figures in a variety of pursuits, amidst flowers, foliage and natural rocky outcrops. Very profuse and finely done. Great quality. Very beautiful. 

The English shagreen leather case is superb: quite fitted including part to hold the handle. Shagreen slightly faded to a lighter shade of brown, but gilded and black borders are still amazingly clear. The box is shaped like the tankard and has a hinge to swing the sides open/closed and a thumb bit to help open the box.

Purple silk in one half of the box is embossed with gold letters: Stephen Smith & Son over a pair of wings around 35 and beneath that King ? Covent Gardens. The other half of the inside is lined with marvellous, matching purple velvet. 

Hallmarked with CUT for Custing, who is listed as having worked in Canton 2nd-3rd quarter of the 19th century. 

Very good condition.