Tan Ay, a silversmith, residing at 339 Ylang-Ylang reported to the police that he was robbed yesterday morning of P600 worth of jewelry. He said that he left the jewels in a drawer in his shop.
Yang Qing He one of the 'Nine Factories' of Shanghai.
The below report probably refers:
Modern Hair Styles Ruin Silver Shop
The westernisation of Chinese woman was blamed as the chief factor in the depression that caused the closure recently of the Yang Ching Ho Silversmith Shop, in one of the biggest silversmiths' shops in Shanghai.
Silver ornaments, it was pointed out, are no longer wanted as Chinese women of today have no love for the beauty of their hair from the conservative Chinese point of view. Instead of the time-honoured fashion of a knot, Chinese women now have bobbed hair, many with permanent waves through artificial methods.
Thus all the ornaments made of silver that used to decorate the knot have been shelved, and business of local silversmith shops becomes exceedingly dull.
In view of these circumstances, the Yang Ching Ho Silversmith Shop, at a recent shareholders' meeting, decided to suspend business. In a notice put up at the door, it is announced that all those who have placed orders with the shop should call at the shop within ten days for their goods.
It will be remembered that the selection of a design for this 500 guinea cup was deferred until the arrival of some drawings sent for by Major Brine, from Hongkong, as it was thought desirable to give the preference to a purely Chinese design should one be found worthy of adoption. Four drawings have lately been received, prepared by various Chinese silversmiths of Hongkong, all of them highly characteristic in treatment, and one of these has been finally selected by the committee. The vase is cup-shaped, supported by three dragons intertwined, on a pedestal of suitable form. Two dragons form the handles, and another, couchant, surmounts the cover. The body of the cup is divided into panels, each filled with scenes of Chinese life, and the general effect is bold and striking. This design, we believe, was originally intended to be used for the cup which is to be presented by the Hongkong Volunteers to Major Brine as a testimonial, in recognition, of his valuable services in organising and commanding that corps. The Hongkong community is , however, not the only one so indebted to Major Brine, as he also organised the Volunteer corps at Hankow, Canton, and Yokohama.
Source: The London and China Telegraph - January 1866