Gorgeous museum-quality Japonesque sterling silver trophy bowl. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1884. Large and round with allover ornament in relief. Horned serpents swim slack-jawed through the water. Talons and heads “puncture” the surface to form side handles. Astride one sits an artist, brush in hand recording the thrashing undulations and roiling waves. At mouth rim are applied strewn shells. Foot in form of entwined snakes.

Modish exoticism a world away from the fresh air and fair play of the New England yachting scene. It was the Hera versus the Lillie in the summer of 1883, with the Hera prevailing after a series of races. The owner, Nathan Sumner Myrick (1853-1930), was a lawyer with ties to the Establishment. He was educated at Phillips Academy in Andover and the family fortune derived, in part, from whaling. At the same time, he was active in the railways. A man comfortable with both tradition and innovation, including artistic innovation. This specially commissioned trophy (it was made a year after the races) was in the advanced taste.

On foot underside is engraved presentation: “Won by / the sloop Hera / in a match race with / the sloop Lillie / 1883”. The name Hera is also embedded in the design with the applied letters emmeshed in the flotsam and jetsam of sea vegetation.

Fully marked including maker’s stamp and date symbol. Excellent condition.

Overall dimensions: H 9 3/4 x W 18 1/2 x D 14 in. Weight: 119 troy ounces. #BZ713