Magnificent Sterling China Trade Trophy Cup, 1893.

This is no exaggeration, it is a magnificent trophy cup fresh from a very large collection of China Trade. It was awarded as the Garrison Cup at the Hong Kong Races in 1893. Wonderful detail. Repousse dragons amid floral decoration adorn the base. Three stylised fish form the column supporting a large bowl with dragon handles, topped with a bamboo-decorated rim. To pre-empt the inevitable question: "Did it have a cover ?", I honestly do not know. It may have had a cover, although I cannot visualize it, as it is stupendous as it stands. Hallmarked along the base: Chinese ideograms, 90 and WH, for Wang Hing. Dimensions: 18.5" tall, 22" across handles. As regards weight, I was informed by the collector that it weighed 7 Kg. (225 Troy oz). I do not have the necessary scales to verify that, but it feels about right.