Among the earliest-known Chinese export silver teapots is a small group made for import into England in the late 17th century. One example carries London hallmarks for 1682, in compliance with the law that foreign silver should be marked at Goldsmiths’ Hall before it could be sold in England.
In September 2018 this rare 17th century Chinese silver ewer was acquired by the Palace of Versailles in a private treaty sale conducted by the auction firm Beaussant Lefèvre.
It is the only known surviving piece of silverware from a lavish diplomatic gift presented to Louis XIV by the King of Siam (Thailand) in 1686.