Ghent 1760-1780, Jean-baptiste Paulus, Bowl, Cup, Pouch In Sterling Silver And Vermeil

Extremely rare bowl or pouch in solid silver by the Ghent goldsmith Jean-Baptiste Paulus. It only bears the maker's mark. No town hallmark or vintage. This goldsmith was admitted to the master's degree in 1757 and practiced his art until the end of the eighteenth century. A large series of his works are preserved in museums or church treasuries in Flanders. The shape of this bowl or cup is very rare in goldsmithing, we know it from the production of soft pasta from Tournai. The old silver-gilt which enhances the interior of this bowl or pouch seems to indicate that it was intended to contain food or a drink. The absence of a city hallmark in turn points to a tax-exempt recipient such as religious institutions or churches. The patina is original and the bowl is in perfect condition. It weighs 75 grams.