| This is a superb English sterling silver 3-piece repousse set consisting of a fabulous, elaborately decorated ewer in the Renaissance Revival style together with a pair of matching wine goblets, all beautifully crafted by the renowned London silversmith, Stephen Smith. This truly exceptional set has been crafted to the very highest standards and all the pieces have been lavishly embellished with intricate and wonderfully detailed decoration showcasing the fine art of repousse work at its very best. The ewer has a timeless neo-Classical silhouette which rises from a circular base, has a magnificent figural handle and is topped by a hinged lid above an elegantly curved pouring lip. The entire surface has been completely covered with a remarkable design containing an extraordinarily detailed assortment of laurel leaves, scrolling foliage, floral arrangements, horned rams and human figures. It has been encircled around the center by a row of lovely female faces enclosed in oval plaques which have each been delineated by borders of miniature beadwork. A row of smaller human faces, pretty females alternating with bearded males, all also enclosed within oval beadwork frames, surrounds the upper portion of the ewer where the base of the handle is attached. This impressive figural S-shaped handle has been exquisitely decorated and has been topped with a majestic and beautifully made female head. A further pair of human faces is featured on either side of the neck, each one also beautifully detailed and skillfully crafted. The pair of matching goblets features elements of this same sumptuously exotic design including the faces, the human figures and the horned rams all beautifully set amidst the background of the scrolling foliage and floral decoration. All three pieces are in perfect condition and have a soft and pleasing patina, the intricate decorative forms having crisply defined details and standing out in bold relief against the darker stippled backgrounds. Each of the three pieces has been stamped with a full set of English hallmarks (including the head of Queen Victoria showing that they were made in London in 1872. The identifying mark of the silversmith, Stephen Smith, is also clearly visible on each piece. This unique and sophisticated set is a fine example of English Victorian silver at its very best and is sure to add a touch of distinction to any wining and dining experience. The ewer measures approx. 4” in diameter at the base and stands approx. 14 ½”tall, while the two goblets are each approx. 2 ¾” in diameter at their bases and stand approx. 7 ¾” tall.
Stock #: BC302 Price code: SZZZ $15,000 set
Key words: Renaissance Revival, Neo-Classical, English Victorian sterling
Ebay
GORHAM
Price: $15,000.00 set Stock #BC302 |