Collecting Antique Pewter From The East
By David Langridge

The oldest known deposits of tin are in Asia and pewterware was first produced in China from around 200 B.C., so you would expect to find a large quantity of early pewter coming on to the market from the East. Unfortunately this is not the case and early pewter is very scarce. The oldest authenticated Chinese pewter is from the 18th century although some 17th century pewter is believed to be found in private collections. Much of the very early pewter was made for use in religious ceremonies and may well be carefully preserved, still hidden away, although of course this is only conjecture! As in Europe, domestic pewter was discarded or melted down when damaged or worn out. The collector today will have to be satisfied with the 19th century and 20th century pewter souvenir items, such as teapots, wine pots and tea and spice containers, which appear in reasonable quantities from time to time. The most prolific pewterers were based in Shantou (Swatow) and in the main the wares were logically stamped with Chinese characters. The large coastal town and seaport of Swatow was one of the main centres for the export of pewterware in large quantities to the Western world during the 19th century.

Look out also for stoneware wine pots and teapots and other miscellaneous pots encased in pewter. Some of these are extremely attractive items, having on occasion jade handles, spouts and knobs. It is usual to find engraving in the Chinese manner, many dragons and exotic flowers etc., some of it being extremely fine and delicate. Other readily found sources of 19th and 20th century pewter are Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, where quality markings were introduced at the late date of 1890, and Hong Kong. Pewter found its way from China into Malaysia in the first quarter of the 20th century and manufacture has increased in leaps and bounds. It is produced to a very high quality and in many forms. One well known and highly skilled firm, the Selangor Pewter Company of Malaysia, now Royal Selangor, took over one of the last surviving vintage British companies, Englefields of London, who used the prestigious Crown & Rose mark, production ceasing there in June 1998, bringing to an end a business founded by a Thomas Scattergood in 1700. A sad day indeed for the lovers of pewter produced in the traditional way. Happily it is believed that the old moulds, tools and equipment have been preserved by the new owners and are destined to be on view in a museum in Malaysia. Other pewterers to look for are Kris Pewter, C.K.T. and F.M.S. Pewter of Malaya, T.K.F. of Indonesia and Ngan Ki Heung of Hong Kong.


Illustration shows: Back Row: Dragon engraved Spice Pot by Kut Hing of Swatow. Hammered Spice/Tobacco Pot by F.M.S. Pewter of Malaya. Dragon engraved Box by Kut Hing of Swatow. Hammered Spice/Tobacco Pot by Kris Pewter of Malaya. Coffee Pot with wrapped cane handle by Selangor Pewter of Malaya.
Middle row: Finely engraved Sugar Bowl by Hui Kee of Swatow. Chinese character and foliage engraved Tea Caddy by Kut Hing of Swatow. Dragon engraved mug by Ngan Ki Heung of Hong Kong.
Front row: Three piece Coffee Set by F.M.S. Malayan Pewter.