Antique Oriental Chinese Export White Metal Bird & Floral Bowl C.1900

Antique Chinese Export White Metal Bird & Floral Bowl, c.1900

A particularly attractive late Qing / early 20th-century Chinese export white-metal bowl, dating to approximately 1900 and distinguished by its exceptionally decorative bird and floral design.

The substantial lobed bowl stands upon a low circular foot and has a gently flared, shaped rim. The exterior is extensively hand-worked with a series of individual decorative panels arranged around the body.

The most striking panels depict birds amongst flowering branches and foliage, including long-tailed exotic birds rendered with finely detailed plumage. These alternate with elaborate scrolling floral and foliate designs, creating a richly patterned surface around the entire bowl.

Particularly effective is the finely punched and stippled ground, which provides a dark textured background against the brighter raised decoration and gives the birds, flowers and scrolling foliage considerable depth and definition.

The lower body is formed as a series of lobed or petal-shaped panels filled with further stylised floral and foliate ornament, continuing the design towards the circular foot. The combination of birds, flowers, scrolling foliage and repeating petal forms creates an exceptionally decorative piece when viewed from any side.

The underside of the foot bears an intriguing four-character Chinese-style workshop or artisan chop mark within a rectangular cartouche. The precise workshop represented by the mark has not been identified.

The interior has been deliberately left substantially plain, contrasting with the highly worked exterior and showing the underlying hand-finished character of the bowl.

The surface has developed attractive age-related toning, with darker patination retained throughout the chased and punched recesses.

Origin: China

Period: Late Qing / early 20th century

Date: Circa 1900

Material: White metal – silver content untested

Diameter: Approx. 13cm

Height: Approx. 6cm

Weight: Approx. 230.9g

Condition: Good antique condition overall with age-related surface wear, scratches, tarnishing, patination and minor irregularities consistent with age and hand manufacture. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

Please note: Although the appearance, construction and substantial weight are consistent with Chinese silver work of the period, the metal has not been tested for silver content and is therefore conservatively described as white metal.

About CKB LTD.

CKB LTD. was formed in 2010 and operates as an independent dealer, with a focus on carefully selected works offered through private sale and online platforms.

The company emphasizes informed attribution, clear descriptions, and responsible market practice. Objects are evaluated through visual examination, comparative research, and reference to established art-historical frameworks, with attention to condition, authenticity, and context.

CKB LTD. works with private collectors, dealers, and international buyers, and conducts transactions in accordance with standard international art market conventions. Each item is offered as a collectible work of art, with transparency regarding condition and attribution, and with respect for the nature of historical objects.

Condition, Attribution & Authenticity Notice

This work is offered as an antique object based on visual examination and comparative stylistic analysis. All statements regarding age, origin, attribution, and period represent informed scholarly opinion and are not guarantees of absolute fact.

Condition descriptions are based on external observation only. The interior, underside of the base, and any internal cavities or consecration materials have not been examined. No technical analysis (including XRF, thermoluminescence, or metallurgical testing) has been performed.

As is typical with antique bronzes, minor casting irregularities, surface wear, rubbing to high points, oxidation, and age-related imperfections are present and should be expected. No visible repairs or restorations are observed from the available views; however, the absence of hidden restorations cannot be guaranteed.

All items are sold as is, and prospective buyers are encouraged to examine the photographs carefully and request additional information prior to purchase. By bidding or purchasing, the buyer acknowledges acceptance of the item?s condition and the nature of antique works.

International Buyers ? Important Information

This item is an antique work of art over 100 years old and is sold as a collectible object. Buyers are responsible for any import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or local taxes imposed by their country.

The seller does not provide CITES documentation, export permits, or cultural property certificates unless explicitly stated. Please verify import requirements with your local customs authority prior to purchase.

All shipments are professionally packed and fully insured. Title and risk pass to the buyer upon shipment.

This work is offered in accordance with standard international art market practices.