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 mad
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Informative,
By Deborah Abernethy (Atlanta, Georgia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Paktong: The Chinese Alloy in Europe 1680 - 1820 (Hardcover)
Keith Pinn, author of Paktong: The Chinese Alloy in Europe 1680-1820, inherited a collection of Paktong from his father to which he has added pieces and done extensive research resulting in this book. Paktong, a rare Chinese alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel, was imported during the 18th century and used by European craftsman to make wares in imitation of silver. It was not until around 1820 that sucessful attempts to copy Paktong resulted in what is now known as German silver. This book analyzes the Pinn Collection to identify and understand objects made from Paktong and how these differ and can be recognized from those made of German silver.
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