1890 Japanese Yoshitaka Dragon Pattern Sterling Silver Teapot/Tea Canister

Weight: 586 grams; Total height: 18cm; Width: 17.5cm; Capacity: 800ml

This Japanese silverware piece, from Yoshitaka, dated 1890, was auctioned in the UK in 2010 to a Chinese buyer. It was part of a set, including a serving cup and a sugar bowl (milk bowl). Upon first seeing this teapot, my initial impression was that it was a work of Chinese goldsmithing, a craft of exceptional skill that had been lost to time. The handle's design is inspired by a large Chinese bronze bell, and the cloud and dragon motif is a quintessentially Chinese theme. However, many techniques used in its creation have been lost in China, and these techniques are rarely seen in modern Japanese silverware. Only after examining the details and the silver inscription did I realize it was a Japanese goldsmithing piece. Even after viewing it with a Chinese silversmithing inheritor, they were captivated by its breathtaking craftsmanship.

This teapot is made of pure silver, with a design featuring a dragon amidst waves. The dragon is depicted in high relief on the belly, its scales and whiskers meticulously detailed, its eyes gleaming as it rides the surging waves, exuding a majestic and powerful aura. The spout is shaped like a gooseneck, with a rounded dragon head sculpted from its mouth, spouting water. The handle is shaped like a begonia flower, with rounded corners, and is also sculpted as a dragon in motion. The dragon heads on the belly, spout, and handle all point in the same direction, creating a distinct and layered effect. The teapot is made of luxurious materials, exhibits exquisite craftsmanship, and possesses an extraordinary presence. The bottom is engraved with the characters "良孝" (Liang Xiao).

1890 Yoshitaka, Japan (exported to Britain) sterling silver tea caddy with dragon design

Weight: 417 grams; Height: 17.5 cm; Diameter: 11 cm

A Japanese silverware piece from Yoshitaka, dated 1890, was sold to a Chinese buyer at a British auction in 2010. The auction included a set of serving cups and a sugar bowl (milk bowl). This set, along with the one mentioned above, remains to be explored.

The pure silver tea caddy is similar in shape to the Guanyin statue and each bottle, with a short neck, full shoulders, slightly curved belly, flared mouth and feet, and a bread-shaped lid that is well-sealed to prevent the tea aroma from escaping. The body of the caddy is decorated with a relief of a dragon amidst waves, with layers of dragon armor, shuttling through the waves, creating a magnificent scene. The bottom is engraved with the two characters "Yi Kang".