Pair Of Ornamental Vases In Solid 800 Thousandths Silver, Georg Roth & Co., Hanau, Circa 1890

Pair of ornamental vases in solid 800 thousandths silver, Georg Roth & Co., Hanau, circa 1890 Exceptional pair of monumental vases in solid 800 thousandths silver, made by the house of Georg Roth & Co., a prestigious silversmith manufacturer active in Hanau at the end of the 19th century. With a height of 70 cm and a width of 30 cm, these two vases constitute a spectacular ensemble in terms of their proportions, their ornamental richness and their state of preservation. They rest on molded bases in blackened wood (unweighted). The decoration, entirely embossed and hand-chiseled, elegantly blends the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles in a historicist vocabulary typical of Hanau: foliate scrolls, shells, blooming flowers, garlands, medallions, openwork cartouches and friezes punctuate the surface of the baluster bodies, topped with flared necks with gadrooned edges. This refined stylistic hybridization illustrates the virtuosity of the Hanau goldsmiths, specialized in reinterpreting 18th-century goldsmithing for an aristocratic or wealthy European clientele at the end of the 19th century. Each piece is marked with the hallmark of Georg Roth & Co., the emblematic goldsmith of this school. The hallmarks are clearly visible under the bases (see photos). Rare Collectible Pieces This type of very large solid silver coin has become extremely rare on the market: many comparable examples were destroyed during the surge in silver prices in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly during the speculative crisis caused by the Hunt brothers. Many monumental pieces of silverwork were irretrievably melted down. The intact preservation of this pair makes it a valuable and sought-after example of 19th-century ceremonial silverwork. Characteristics Period: late 19th century (circa 1890) Origin: Hanau, Germany Silversmith: Georg Roth & Co. Material: 800 thousandths solid silver (hallmarked) Style: Rocaille Louis XV / Louis XVI (mixed historicist style) Height (excluding bases): 70 cm Maximum width: 30 cm Total weight (excluding bases): 11.6 kg Bases: molded blackened wood Decoration: embossed and hand-chiseled, floral motifs, foliage, cartouches, friezes Condition: excellent, without accident or deformation Hallmarks: Georg Roth & Co., visible under the bases