Chinese Nanking Store Sterling Silver Gilt Dragon Buckle or Sash Ornament | Vermeil Chinese Export Silver luncheon plate moth nibbles or other defect

moth nibbles or other defect

Waist: 43 1/2”

consistent with careful storage

possibly for display in a domestic

Chinese Nanking Store Sterling Silver Gilt Dragon Buckle or Sash Ornament | Vermeil Chinese Export Silver luncheon plate moth nibbles or other defectThis Chinese export sterling silver gilt piece is richly decorated with opposing dragons surrounding a central longevity style symbol, all rendered in deeply chased relief flanked by raised dragons. Marked NANKING STERLING to the reverse along with a Chinese character hallmark, the piece was retailed by the famed Nanking Store, one of the best known Chinese luxury goods retailers catering to the export and tourist trade, active from 1895 until 1940.