Bruges 1787, Coffee Pot, Solid Silver, Jacob Frans Ponchau, Louis XVI

A sumptuous Louis XVI period coffee pot in solid silver, bearing the hallmarks of the city of Bruges for the year 1784 and the maker's mark of Jacob Frans Ponchau, a highly talented craftsman whose work was featured in no fewer than four pieces at the "Masterpieces of Bruges Goldsmithing" exhibition in 1993. The Abbey of Sainte-Godelieve in Gistel also possesses a very fine chalice by his hand. In this tripod coffee pot with its angular scroll feet and fluted body, the silversmith demonstrates his full skill. The ornamental frieze adorned with acanthus leaf rosettes is simply sublime. Even the original handle is decorated. But the star of the show is the magnificent covered spout, adorned with the head of a bearded Native American wearing a crown. The connection with the American origin of coffee and chocolate was obvious to his contemporaries in the city of Bruges.