19TH CENTURY, INSCRIBED AND DATED 6 FEBRUARY 1861

Details

A SILVER FILIGREE TWO-HANDLED VASE
19TH CENTURY, INSCRIBED AND DATED 6 FEBRUARY 1861
The vase is delicately crafted with wire and beading with two floral handles flanking peonies to the neck. The body is decorated with oval panels enclosing figures at leisure interspersed with fruit and flowers. The piece has an oval panel inscribed "Presented to Capt. Sir Robt McClure Kt C.B., BY MR. WHAMPOA, SENR, a Chinese Merchant, as a mark of esteem, and friendship. Singapore 6th Feby 1861."
15 3/8 in. (39 cm.) high

Provenance

From a private Italian collection, acquired in the 1960s.

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Lot Essay

Captain Sir Robert John Le Mesurier McClure (1807-1873) was an Irish Arctic explorer, best known for crossing the Northwest Passage (the route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans) by boat and by sledge. He was stationed in East Asia from 1856-1861.
Hoo Ah Kay, C.M.G. (also known as Whampoa) (1816-1880) was a Chinese-born Singaporean businessman dealing in ships for the British Royal Navy. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle. In 1869 Hoo became the first ethnic Chinese member of the Legislative Council of Singapore and he then went on to become the only Chinese member of the Executive Council.

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