Beschreibung:

HSBC interest – An early 20th century Chinese export silver dish, Canton dated 1904 by Sui Chang retailed by Wang Hing Qing dynasty, of circular form with an ovolo edge with finely pierced and chased decoration of chrysanthemums, the centre of the dish with a chased chrysanthemum against a ring punched ground. Engraved to the edge with a presentation inscription reading “Amoy Golf Handicap March 1904 won by W. H. Wallace”. Marked to the reverse with artisan mark 遂昌 (SUI CHANG), numeral 90, and retailer’s mark WH. Diameter – 19 cm / 7.5 inches Weight – 222 grams / 7.14 ozt “ME. W. H. WALLACE. Mr. Wallace has taken the greatest interest in public affairs during his residence in Amoy, and now holds the position of chairman of the Municipal Council. Born in London in 1861, he was educated at Dedham Grammar School, Essex, and at the early age of seventeen accompanied an orchid- hunting expedition to South America. On his return he devoted some time to the study of botany, and one of his chief hobbies now is the cultivation of flowers. In 1882 Mr. Wallace entered the service of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank in London, and two years later was sent to the Hongkong office. In 1890 he resigned his appointment, and for two years engaged in business in the Colony as a stock and share broker. Rejoining the bank's service in 1902, he came to Amoy, at which port and Koochow he has been since that time. Mr. Wallace is an enthusiastic sportsman, and in his younger days was a well-known figure on the football and hockey fields. He won the tennis championship of Hongkong in 1901. and even now devotes as much of his spare time to that game as to his flowers. The garden adjoining his private residence is one of the sights of Amoy, and is recognised as being one of the finest in China.” Wright, A., (1908), Twentieth Century Impressions of Hongkong, Shanghai, and other Treaty Ports of China, P. 821. Image: Mr and Mrs W H Wallace in Amoy (Xiamen), China c.1911. (courtesy HSBC) The Canton based workshop of Sui Chang is noted for large high quality wares, particularly with finely pierced decoration such as trays and dragon footed bowls. As a retailer Wang Hing operated longer in Canton than in Hong Kong.