Paktong : The Chinese Alloy in Europe, 1680-1820

by Pinn, Keith

• ISBN13: 9781851493241
• ISBN10: 1851493247
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-01-01
• Publisher: Antique Collectors Club Ltd

Summary

Paktong, a rare Chinese alloy imported in small quantities during the eighteenth century, was used by European craftsmen to make domestic objects in imitation of silverware. This metal has been shrouded in mystery since it was first recorded by Western travellers in the seventeenth century. The vital silver-coloured ingredient, nickel, was not identified in the West until the second half of the eighteenth century, and it was to be a further fifty years before scientists were able to perfect a viable imitation of paktong. In more recent times the mystery of paktong has lain in the lack of documentary evidence concerning its use in the Georgian period. This has given rise to many myths and speculative theories about the metal. Now, at last, the author's research among contemporary records hasenabled the history of paktong in eighteenth century England to be piecedtogether. A well-illustrated study and discussion of more than 100 paktong pieces will help readers identify and understand objects made from this scarce and highly-prized Chinese metal.

Table of Contents

Introduction	13	(4)
Colour Plates	17	(16)
The Alloy	33	(3)
Alfred Bonnin	36	(5)
Paktong in China	41	(7)
Matthew Boulton	48	(11)
Paktong and German Silver	59	(14)
British Plate	73	(4)
Eighteenth Century Paktong Wares	77	(2)
Eighteenth Century Paktong Candlesticks	79	(29)
Nineteenth Century Paktong Candlesticks	108	(4)
Domestic and Other Wares	112	(12)
Firegrates and Firearms	124	(6)
Nineteenth Century Nickel Alloy Wares	130	(9)
Appendix I Matthew Boulton References	139	(8)
Appendix II Christie's Records	147	(8)
Appendix III Miscellaneous References to Paktong	155	(2)
Appendix IV A Pair of Huguenot Paktong Candlesticks	157	(3)
Appendix V Catalogue of W.A. Pinn Collection	160	(25)
Complete Analysis Results	182	(3)
Bibliography	185	(2)
Index	187