Luen Wo was an important retail silversmith based in Shanghai, he also traded in jewellery, diamonds and embroideries.

Luen Wo was very productive and relied on a large number of designers and artisans, such as Ning Zhao Ji. His items generally bear the mark with his full name or the initials LW and the mark of the artisan who realised the piece.

The firm mainly produced items in the traditional Chinese style, featuring classical motifs such as bamboo leaves, prunus blossoms, chrysanthemums and dragons but, especially after 1880.