AN EXCEPTIONAL EARLY 20TH CENTURY JAPANESE SILVER TEA & COFFEE SERVICE ON TRAY C. 1900

AN EXCEPTIONAL EARLY 20TH CENTURY JAPANESE SILVER TEA & COFFEE SERVICE ON TRAY C. 1900

the antique Japanese solid silver six piece tea and coffee set comprising a coffee pot, teapot, kettle on stand, tea caddy, waist bowl, sugar bowl, cream jug and tray. This magnificent set boasts remarkable quality, featuring embossed Iris flowers in high relief. Its elegant C-form handles and lids adorned with large Iris flowers. Hallmarked Sterling (925 standard, made for export), Maker Arthur & Bond, Yokohama.
In Great Condition - No Damage.

SIZE
KETTLE
Height: 36cm
Width: 19.5cm
Weight: 1390g

COFFEE POT
Height: 25cm
Width: 23cm
Weight: 740g

TEAPOT
Height: 16cm
Width: 25cm
Weight: 625g

SUGAR BOWL & LID
Height: 13cm
Width: 17cm
Weight: 335g

TEA CADDY
Height: 14cm
Width: 9cm
Weight: 340g

CREAM JUG
Height: 9cm
Width: 16cm
Weight: 265cm

TRAY
Height: 8.5cm
Width: 69cm
Depth: 48.5cm
Weight: 3735g

The English company was based in Yokohama, Japan during the Meiji period. Their high quality silverware and statement pieces were particularly sought after especially by foreign travellers and English gentlemen living in Japan.

Located in Yokohama, Japan, the firm catered mainly to English expatriates and foreign travelers. They retailed and manufactured not just silverware but also gold lacquer, chased, hammered and inlaid metal works, ivory carvings, embroideries, cloisonne, porcelain, furniture and domestic items as stated in their business cards.

The firm opened a second branch in Kobe, Japan and a shop in London, 52 St. Mary Axe and its products were retailed in America by G. W. Sheldon & Co.

Their most famous commission is undoubtedly the Liscum Bowl, treasured by the 9th United States Infantry and realised as a memorial of Col. Liscum killed in China in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion. The bowl, made from bullion rescued by the U.S. Army and featuring Imperial dragons, shows an excellent manufacture and is considered one of the finest artworks of that period.

In 1923 the firm suffered a consistent loss due to the Kanto earthquake and no later record survived.