{"product_id":"chinese-nanking-store-sterling-gilt-dragon-buckle","title":"Chinese Nanking Store Sterling Silver Gilt Dragon Buckle or Sash Ornament | Vermeil Chinese Export Silver","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heavy construction and generous silver weight give the piece a particularly impressive presence in hand. The surface retains a warm gold vermeil finish that beautifully highlights the intricate dragon scales and scrolling cloud motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elongated slot at the top suggests the piece may originally have functioned as a sash ornament, belt buckle component, or decorative mount. The reverse is engraved “TILL THE END OF TIME,” indicating it may have been presented as a sentimental or commemorative gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wonderful example of Chinese export silver blending traditional symbolism with Western Art Deco sensibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDetails\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaker\/Retailer:\u003c\/b\u003e Nanking Store\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e China\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Gold vermeil over sterling silver\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarks:\u003c\/b\u003e “NANKING STERLING” with Chinese character hallmark\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMotifs:\u003c\/b\u003e Dragons, clouds, longevity symbol\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/b\u003e 2 1\/4\" by 3 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 112 grams \/ 3.95 oz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good condition with light surface wear and areas of light patina consistent with age and handling. The gilt finish remains present overall with some variation and mellowing to the tone. Reverse engraved “TILL THE END OF TIME.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical Background\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nanking Store was among the best-known Chinese luxury retailers serving foreign visitors and export clientele in the early to mid-20th century. Their silver objects are prized today for their combination of traditional Chinese symbolism, excellent craftsmanship, and strong decorative appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDragon motifs traditionally symbolize:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003estrength\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eprotection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eprosperity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eimperial authority\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhile the central emblem appears related to longevity symbolism commonly incorporated into Chinese decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat Makes This Special\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy sterling silver construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich gold vermeil finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDramatic dragon decoration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked Nanking Store example\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong Chinese Export aesthetic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent display or wearable potential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Poppy's Vintage Clothing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43239125352553,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0273\/1559\/files\/Nanking-Sterling-Piece-01.jpg?v=1779492608","url":"https:\/\/www.poppysvintageclothing.com\/de\/products\/chinese-nanking-store-sterling-gilt-dragon-buckle","provider":"Poppy's Vintage Clothing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}