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Luen Wo
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Time Period:
Around
1875 to 1925
Location:
Shanghai- No 43 Nanking Road (possibly No 42 Nanking Road at some point as well). This was within the British concession in Shanghai.
Maker Information:
Luen Wo was a firm that described itself as an "Engraver, Gold & Silver Smith". This firm also dealt (to a lesser extent) in jewelry, diamonds, jades, pearls, embroideries, handkerchiefs, grass cloth,
lacquered wares, ivory, sandal-wood carvings, and carved Blackwood furniture (as documented in the rare label shown below). This firm seems to have been a good judge of quality as many of the extant pieces bearing the LUENWO mark are of high quality. Very prolific firm.  | | Rare LUENWO Label from a private collection |
Marks:
The mark of Luen Wo is observed in various different forms. It is known to exist in the following forms:
| LW |
LW90 |
| LUEN-WO |
LUENWO |
| LUENWO, SHANGHAI, shop mark |
LUENWO, SHANGHAI, shop mark, 90 |
| LW and shopmark |
LW, SHANGHAI |
| LUENWO and shopmark |
LUENWO, SHANGHAI |
| LUENWO, LW and shopmark |
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Known workshop/artisan marks
Luen Wo was known to employ a number of different workshops/artisans. Known workshop/ artisan marks are as follows:
Examples and their marks:
Item # 1 - LW
Provenance: From the collection of Will Tomlinson
Form: Cup and saucer with alternating panels of characters, bamboo, mandarins, and prunus blossoms.
Dimensions: Saucer- 4.5 inches wide by 0.5 tall, Cup is 3.75 wide by 2 inches tall
Item # 2 - LW
Provenance: From the collection of Will Tomlinson
Form: Large pierced basket on round foot with alternating panels of characters and design.
Dimensions: 10 inches wide by 2.75 inches tall without handle (handle is 6 inches tall)
Item # 3 - LW
Provenance: From the collection of Will Tomlinson
Form: Miniature four piece tea set and tray with plum blossom design and tree branch form handles
Dimensions: 5 inches long by 3.5 wide
Item # 4 - LW
Provenance: Private collection
Form: Footed bowl with applied decorations of birds and prunus blossoms.
Dimensions: 5.5 inches wide by 2.75 high
Item # 5 - LW
Provenance: From the collection of Will Tomlinson
Form: Large tea tray with engraved dragon on stippled ground, reticulated dragon border/rim, and 4 bun feet. Later engraving towards top of rim reading "Presented To / 88 Squadron / By Son LDR. J Primrose / July 1960"
Dimensions: 15 inches wide by 1.75 inches tall including rim
Item # 6 - LW
Provenance: Private collection
Form: Dragon form spoon with gilt bowl.
Dimensions: 4.5 inches long by 0.75 inches wide
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