Antique Chinese Silver Bat Wine Label 'Hock'

A large 19th century unmarked Chinese silver Wine Label, made in the form of a fruit bat with out-stretched wings, finely tooled to resemble fur and with engraved cross- hatching to the wings. Applied letters for HOCK.

There are various theories of the origin of these curious labels but most agree on an Eastern source, either China or India.

It can be noted that ""..the bat is a potent symbol of happiness in Chinese iconography while it would appear not to feature in Indian symbolism."",""...these labels are nearly always unmarked,....In China the bat is a symbol of longevity and happiness, so its outstretched wings are therefore well suited for displaying the name of the wine that leads to these desirable achievements."" 'Wine Labels 1730-2003 A Worldwide History', edited and co-authored by John Salter, Antique Collectors' Club in association with The Wine Label Circle, 2004 edition, page 349/98.

Unmarked, c1880

Sold - £585.00