Description

Antique Chinese Silver Cigarette Case – KYYUN Maker’s Mark

Chinese Export Silver

This elegant antique cigarette case dates from the late 19th or early 20th century. The piece comes from China and belongs to the tradition of Chinese export silver.

Its rectangular shape makes it easy to carry. The finely decorated surface gives the case a particularly refined appearance.

Repoussé and Chased Decoration

The lid features a detailed relief decoration. Bamboo stems, lotus flowers and birds create a naturalistic composition.

Cranes or herons appear among the foliage. These motifs form an important part of traditional Asian decorative art.

The craftsman created the relief using the repoussé technique. He hammered the silver from the reverse side to raise the decoration. He then refined the surface with chasing tools.

This process gives the metal a strong three-dimensional effect. The fine details also reveal the skill of the silversmith.

Original Cigarette Case

The interior still retains its original elastic bands. These bands held cigarettes securely inside the case.

The interior also shows golden reflections. They may indicate a gilt or vermeil finish. Further examination would confirm the presence of gold over the silver.

The original interior therefore helps identify the object as a pocket cigarette case.

The KYYUN Maker’s Mark

The “KYYUN” mark provides an important clue about the origin of this piece.

Collectors associate the mark with Chinese export silver. Chinese silversmiths produced many similar objects for Western customers during the late Qing period and the early Republic of China.

Chinese export silver became increasingly popular in Europe and North America. Local craftsmen combined traditional Chinese decoration with forms that appealed to Western buyers.

This cigarette case illustrates that cultural exchange particularly well.

A Refined Collectible

The combination of bamboo, lotus flowers and birds gives the case a distinctive Asian character. Its detailed repoussé work adds considerable decorative interest.

The KYYUN mark makes the piece especially interesting for collectors of Chinese export silver. The case also appeals to collectors of antique smoking accessories and Asian decorative arts.

This small object offers more than a practical function. It reflects the development of Chinese silver craftsmanship at the turn of the 20th century.

Origin: China, Chinese export silver
Period: Late 19th – early 20th century
Maker’s mark: KYYUN
Material: Silver, purity to be confirmed
Decoration: Bamboo, lotus flowers and birds
Technique: Repoussé and chasing
Function: Pocket cigarette case

A refined antique piece with strong decorative appeal and an interesting connection to the history of Chinese export silver.