| Here is a superb quality Victorian sterling silver ewer, lavishly decorated all over with an extravagant combination of beautiful repousse work and a fanciful assortment of figural forms. It rises gracefully from a circular base which has been surrounded by 2 nicely-detailed rows of repousse decoration; a lower row of pretty floral motifs set into “U”-shaped borders and a smaller upper row of scrolling shell motifs set into inverted “U” shapes. The main body of the ewer emerges from a waisted area above the base and is an extraordinary example of the creativity of the Victorian imagination combined with the skill of a master silversmith. The entire surface is a veritable feast for the eyes and has been profusely and beautifully decorated with a remarkable variety of exceptionally fine quality repousse flowers, leaves and scrolling forms, all standing out in bold relief against a softly stippled silver background. A plain shining silver cartouche has been formed in the center of each side of the ewer and each of these has been flanked by a pair of winged figural forms, a female on the left and a bearded man on the right. The wings and one outstretched arm of each figure extend outwards from the ewer to create a realistic and 3-dimensional effect. These unusual and meticulously-detailed figures are surrounded by scrolling wave-like forms which act as an elegant framing device for the head of a mythological beast which extends outwards from the center of the front of the ewer. The 2 cartouches also sit amidst an array of elaborate scrolling repousse decoration and have each been artfully embellished at the base by a repousse depiction of the head of Bacchus, the God of wine. His intricately-detailed beard flows downwards towards the base of the ewer and his hair is cleverly made up from the grape leaves which define the base of each cartouche. The cartouches have each been expertly engraved, on one side there is a beautifully artistic and decorative flowing monogram of the letters” RS de CL” and on the other there is a crest showing a bird with its wings outstretched above a coronet and an unfurled ribbon bearing the Latin motto “Vincit Omnia Veritas” (Truth Conquers All”). The magnificently-made decoration continues upwards along the gracefully-styled neck and elegant pouring lip, culminating in a final flourish at the top of the flower-bedecked lid. This can be opened by pressing on the inner portion of the high, arching handle to activate the lid’s hinged mechanism. This is a remarkable and quite spectacular ewer, beautifully and expertly made and in perfect, pristine condition throughout. When coupled with workmanship of this high quality, the presence of such an ornate monogram complete with a family crest and a motto shows that this exceptional piece was originally owned by someone with both wealth and taste, certainly it is worthy of a place in a stately home. It is hallmarked on the inner handle and also bears a full set of English hallmarks on the base showing that it was made in Sheffield in 1898. It weighs 43 troy ounces and measures 5” in diameter at the base x approx. 15” in height to the top of the handle Price: $8,500.00 Stock #BC453 |