Solid Silver And Bronze Cup: Double-tailed Mermaid Riding A Nautilus — Late 19th Century

Solid silver and bronze cup: double-tailed mermaid riding a nautilus — late 19th / early 20th century Elegant centerpiece cup depicting a double-tailed mermaid (Mélusine type) riding a nautilus above a marine fish. With her arms raised, she supports a basin in the shape of a clam shell, in silver-plated bronze on the outside and gilded (vermeil) on the inside. The figure is made of solid 950 ‰ silver, cast like bronze then finely chiseled, with great attention to detail: hair, anatomy, tail scales. The decoration is worked with the same finesse on the back as on the front, a sign of great quality of execution. The whole rests on a sober and solid patinated bronze base, which highlights the richness and elegance of the composition. Characteristics: Solid silver 950 ‰, hallmarked (unidentified silversmith) Double-tailed mermaid in cast and chiseled silver, riding a nautilus Silver and gilt bronze shell (vermeil interior) Patinated bronze base Total height: 28 cm Width: 19 cm Gross weight: 2.726 kg Period: late 19th – early 20th century Condition: superb quality of casting and chiseling, very good condition, original patina, back decoration as refined as the front