This exquisitely detailed 19th-century 5-piece tea set exemplifies the meticulous artistry displayed by silversmiths of Vietnam. The ornate set, said to have been owned by the Emperor of Vietnam, then called French Indochina, is impressive not only for its royal provenance and meticulous artistry but also for the astonishing weight of the silver itself, which is 99% pure. Masterfully handcrafted during the famed Nguyen dynasty of Vietnam, the collection incorporates East Asian imagery over traditional French motifs. Imposing dragons, vignettes of figures and fauna and decorative script are interspersed between scrolling floral and foliate motifs. Slithering, scaled snakes chase the edges of the serving tray and form the handles of the teapots and sugar bowls. The set is a testament to the painstaking craftsmanship and artistic beauty that mark Vietnamese silver.

The tea set is further distinguished by prestigious provenance, said to have been owned by the Emperor of French Indochina. The Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) was the final Vietnamese dynasty, ruling Vietnam for over eighty years before the establishment of the French protectorate. The set then passed to the collection of the Marquis de Colomb de Puyblanc, a successful Lieutenant in the Sino-French War and an important figure in the establishment of the French protectorate.

Circa late 19th century

Bears city mark of Hanoi
Marked “Licheng”

Tray: 17" high x 23 1/4" wide x 3" deep
Large teapot: 10 1/4" high x 10" wide x 7" deep
Small teapot: 7" high x 11" wide x 7" deep
Cream jug: 6 1/4" high x 6 1/2" wide x 5" deep
Sugar bowl: 6 3/4" high x 9" wide x 6" deep

Provenance:
Emperor of Indochina (by repute)
Private Collection of the Marquis de Colomb de Puyblanc
Private Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Hughes Jules de la Vergne
Drs. Lula and William Ford
Dr. and Mrs. J. Brian Eby
Private Collection, Austin, Texas
M. S. Rau, New Orleans