Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A set of six silver tea or demitasse spoons featuring exquisite 'Chilbo' enamel work on the handles. The intricate floral patterns, likely irises, are rendered in the traditional Korean cloisonné style using vibrant glass pastes separated by delicate silver wires.
Story
In the 1970s, Korean Chilbo enamelware was produced by government-supported workshops to showcase traditional craftsmanship and often served as diplomatic gifts to American military personnel and visiting delegations. Post-Korean War cultural diplomacy (1950s–1970s) spurred a revival of traditional cloisonné silver flatware for export to Western markets.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed · South Korea
Condition & Value
Well-preserved enamel partitions sustain decorative value, while any unassessed bowl wear or chips would diminish auction performance. The set appears to be in excellent vintage condition. One spoon shows heavy natural oxidation (tarnish), while the others remain in their original protective plastic sleeves.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
A 138-gram 6-spoon untested silver/enamel set sold for $245 in 2023, establishing a midpoint for spoon-only examples. Silver-plate spoon and fork groupings trade at $146–175, defining the decorative baseline. Pure.999 silver 12-piece flatware sets now realize $670–850, but those remain outside the subject’s likely material tier. Mid-century Korean 70% silver 12-piece sets fetch up to $500, though spoon-only configurations typically trade $95–300. Given the absence of hallmarks, the subject aligns most closely with medium-grade alloy offerings, supporting an auction estimate of $100–300.
▲ Traditional Chilbo enamel technique: hand-laid silver wires and multi-stage kiln firings add decorative premium
▲ Iris motif: culturally significant symbol of hope and protection enhances collector appeal
▲ Six-piece spoon-only format: rarer than combined spoon/fork sets
▲ Well-preserved enamel with intact wires maintains aesthetic integrity
▼ Material purity unverified: no visible AG999, AG700 or EPNS hallmarks
▼ Original presentation case not documented, reducing display and gift-set premium
▼ Surface wear and minor enamel chips have not been fully assessed
Best Venue
eBay – offers the greatest liquidity among silver-ware collectors and bullion buyers, with specialized categories for mid-century Asian flatware.
Upside Potential
Identification of AG700 or AG999 hallmarks and documented total weight could elevate auction results toward $200–300; discovery of the original silk-lined box or verifiable diplomatic provenance may push realizations above $350.