{"product_id":"antique-chinese-export-sterling-silver-cigarette-case-cjco-shanghai-bamboo-c3099","title":"Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver Cigarette Case - C.J.Co Shanghai - Engraved Bamboo - c.1920 - C3099","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial Chinese export sterling silver cigarette case dating circa 1920, engraved with bamboo over a stippled ground and with a gilt washed interior and spring loaded opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis substantial Chinese export sterling silver cigarette case was produced for the China Jewelry Company of Shanghai during the early 20th century, around 1920.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rectangular case has rounded corners and a gently curved profile intended to sit comfortably against the body when carried in a pocket. At 130 grams, it is a heavy example, with a substantial silver content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth outer faces are engraved with bamboo. The stems, joints and leaves are rendered with a mixture of fine incised lines and broader polished cuts, set against a closely stippled ground which creates contrast between the bamboo and the surrounding surface. One side incorporates a plain circular reserve formed as a rising sun design within the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe case opens by means of a spring loaded release at the side. Inside are the original spring wire retaining straps, and both halves have a gilt wash.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior is struck C.J.Co, STERLING and with the Chinese character 居. C.J.Co was the mark used by the China Jewelry Company, a Shanghai retail silversmith active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The character 居, read as Ju, identifies the artisan workshop that produced the piece for C.J.Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the early 20th century, Shanghai was an international commercial centre with diplomats, military officials and political figures passing through the city. Retailers such as C.J.Co served this market with finely made portable silver accessories and jewellery. The case's weight, curved pocket form and bamboo decoration belong to that world of practical objects made for an international clientele.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition with light surface wear, fine scratches and minor marks consistent with age and use. The engraved decoration remains clearly defined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe spring loaded opening operates correctly, the hinge is secure and the original interior retaining straps remain present. The gilt wash shows expected wear from use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength: 10.5 cm [4.13 in]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth: 8 cm [3.15 in]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 130 g [4.59 oz]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: sterling silver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterior: gilt washed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecoration: engraved bamboo on a stippled ground\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForm: slightly curved rectangular cigarette case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpening: spring loaded release\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetailer: China Jewelry Company, Shanghai\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarks: C.J.Co, STERLING and Chinese character 居\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDate: circa 1920\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: Shanghai, China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStock Code: C3099 SP26-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTracked and insured shipping is provided free of charge to most UK addresses, there may be charges for remote or offshore locations. Your item(s) will usually be shipped within 48hrs of order (weekdays), you will receive an email with confirmation of shipping and tracking code when your item is despatched. Delivery is usually 1-3 business days from despatch, if you need an item more urgently please get in touch to see if we can assist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor international buyers\u003c\/strong\u003e once you have added the item to your cart and specified your delivery address the system will calculate the shipping price for you. Shipping prices are automatically calculated for the most common destinations and items, if the system does not give you a shipping price for your particular item and location simply \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bluecherryantiques.co.uk\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e and we will update the system for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note if you are purchasing an item for delivery outside the UK you may have to pay taxes and duties upon import. Blue Cherry Antiques does not collect tax or duty on any sale, and the payment of such taxes should they arise is the responsibility of the purchaser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping for international orders will be by a tracked (where possible) and insured service via airmail or parcel carrier depending on location and item purchased.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blue Cherry Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56309296333185,"sku":"C3099","price":549.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0232\/7337\/files\/C3099_Silver_Cigarette_Case_2_of_13.jpg?v=1790105490","url":"https:\/\/www.bluecherryantiques.co.uk\/products\/antique-chinese-export-sterling-silver-cigarette-case-cjco-shanghai-bamboo-c3099","provider":"Blue Cherry Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}