Tea service (5) - .900 silver

A Rare three-piece Chinese export Silver Tea Service by Heng Li, Tientsin
The set comprising a tea pot and two cups and saucers, each with chased repoussé design of blossoming flowers and centred with a plain shield and raised on circular feet. The upper part of the tea pot with engraved flowers and birds.
Each piece with marks.

"Tientsin" is the former English transliteration of the Chinese city Tianjin, known for its historical production of Chinese export silver, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city's silverwork is characterized by distinctive marks and styles, reflecting both Chinese and Western influences.
Tianjin's Silver Export History:
Tianjin became a key port in the silver trade and a production center for silverware, as indicated by artisan marks associated with the city from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Historical Significance:
Tianjin, historically known as Tientsin, was a major trading port and a hub for the production of Chinese export silver.

Silverware from Tianjin, often marked with the city's name (天津 or Tientsin), was popular in the late Qing dynasty and early Republic period and highly appreciated and sought after nowadays.

Marks and Styles:
These pieces often feature intricate designs like dragons, landscapes, and floral motifs, and are marked with Chinese characters indicating the maker, retailer.

This particular Tea set was probably ordered for the English market, it is made in the typical Western style.


Maker: Heng Li
Country of manufacture: China
City: Tientsin (Tianjin)
Date of manufacture: circa 1890
Marks: each piece with chop marks

Total: 5 Items
Dimensions and weight:
Teapot: H. 165 mm, Weight: 437 g.
Cups: 69 & 71 g.
Saucers: 58 & 60 g.
Total weight: 695 g.
Condition: Overall good condition.
Provenance: Private collection
Worldwide shipping by courier.