源和 Yuan He. A rare Canton Chinese export gold cup

源和 Yuan He. A rare Canton Chinese export gold cup, circa 1870's, of tapering form with foliate and strap-work borders, each side chased with a floral spray, underside stamped with retailer's mark 'GEM WO' and stipple-engraved with character marks 源和 and 2nd Standard Lisbon control marks 1886-1938, 6.1cm high, weight 48g. Provenance: By repute this was presented to Carlos Eugénio Correia da Silva, 1st Count of Paço de Arcos in 1877 on the occasion of the birth of his daughter, Jesuína Amália. Correaia da Silva was Governor of the Portuguese Colony of Macau from 31 December 1876 to 28th November 1879, living in the Santa Sancha Palace.The fact the marks on the cup also carry Lisbon import marks used from the year 1886 concurs with historical fact, in as much as it is known, that Correa da Silva returned to Lisbon at the end of 1889 in order to become the Civil Governor of Lisbon; a service to the Crown that he was rewarded for by being elevated to be "Grande do Reino" - the equivalent of a Viscount.This example of a gold beaker made by the Canton goldsmith/ silversmith Yuan He 源和 would appear to be the only recorded item of gold to carry a Gem Wo mark. Yuan He was located in Canton [Guangzhou] and should not be confused with another workshop in the same city at the same time, Yuan He 元和, which was also known for producing beakers, tankards, snuff boxes and vinaigrettes.We are grateful to Adrien von Ferscht, an expert on Chinese Export silver, for his catalogue entry and extensive research. 清1870年 "源和"款金杯克重：48g拍品来源：1877年澳门总督Carlos Eugénio Correia da Silva女儿Jesuína Amália生日所收贺礼Condition Report: Visible construction seem to body. Otherwise good condition with clear marks to undersideCondition Report Disclaimer