Hallmarks: Yong Yuan - Name of silversmith Wen Yin - Fine silver
The shown item is an unusual king-size silver bottom decorated with various
good-luck symbols which are very delicate, such as characters of
Xi (Happiness) and Shou (Longevity), and features of
peony (symbol of
nobility and wealth), plum blossoms (symbol of
purity and integrity), and money tree (symbol of never-ending
fortune), which
should belong to the upper classes as of late Ching Dynasty.
At the reverse, it was guaranteed by the maker for being made of
fine silver by inscribing his name and finess of silver at the two sides.
It is obviously that this silver bottom entailed much money for its
material and workmanship, should be rich people's stuff in the old days.
Even though, however, if needed by emergency, it might be deemed as sycee
currency and put into circulation, as well.
