Empire Period Solid Silver Sweet Basket, Ghent, 1809–1819

Solid silver candy basket, Empire period, Ghent, 1809–1819 Rare oval candy or biscuit basket, opening with two flaps hinged around a central hinge, topped with an elegant openwork handle with a double band. This very fine piece of civil silverwork is made entirely of solid silver, in a refined Empire style, typical of Ghent production under French occupation. The decoration is based on a structure with deep vertical fluting, emblematic of Ghent work of the early 19th century. The openwork oval base with a twisted cross-pattern motif, the frieze of stylized leaves surrounding the border, as well as the two applied helmeted Minerva masks give the whole a sober and architectural nobility. The piece bears the second rooster hallmark (800/1000 fineness), in use under the First Empire, accompanied by the guarantee hallmarks of department 27 — corresponding to the city of Ghent between 1809 and 1819, during the period of French occupation. A very fine example of Napoleonic Ghent goldsmithing, at once sober, elegant and powerfully constructed. Characteristics: – Solid silver, hallmarked with the second cock (title 800/1000) – Ghent (department 27), Empire period, 1809–1819 – Typical Ghent work with vertical fluting – Helmeted Minerva masks applied – Openwork handle with double band – Openwork oval base with twisted crosspieces – Double opening with central hinge – Unidentified silversmith (diamond hallmark visible) – Height: 16 cm – Length: 17 cm – Width: 11 cm – Weight: 385 g – Excellent condition