Here Be Dragons!

This elaborate antique pewter tea set from China is intricately engraved with dragons flying amidst exotic flowers and swirling waters.  

Pewter is an alloy of tin and lead. The softness of the metal makes it malleable and it can be polished to a soft sheen. Pewter appeared in China some 2,000 years ago. Tea caddies made of pewter were preferred for storing the valuable tea leaves and some tea connoisseurs argued that pewter tea pots made 

for superior brewing. 

In addition to the Chinese markings, the set is also stamped "Kut Hing Pewter Swatow." The City of Swatow, now known as Shantou, was opened as a foreign port in 1860 and quickly became an important export market, with many local artisans creating wares for the foreign trade. Beginning in the late 19th century, a number of workshops produced elaborate pewter items for the Western market, including everything from traditional tea sets to modern cocktail sets, often covered in intricate engraving. The Kut Hing company was one of the prominent pewter makers of the era.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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