Pair Of Silver Spice Jugs – Mathieu Guillaume, Liège, Circa 1785–1790

Elegant pair of silver spice casters (or sugar shakers) by the Liège silversmith Mathieu Guillaume, active circa 1753–1790.
Each finely hammered and repoussé vessel features richly modelled acanthus leaves and rococo scrolls, topped with an openwork lid surmounted by a rooster finial – the heraldic emblem of Liège.
The bodies are delicately engraved in pointillé with bird motifs – a swan, a peacock, and a rooster – evoking purity, vigilance, and grace, typical of the refined Liège silverwork of the late eighteenth century.

Both bear the Liège city mark (lion in a shield, under Prince-Bishop de Hoensbroeck, 1784–1792) together with the maker’s mark “M G” for Mathieu Guillaume.

Superb condition, no repairs, fine patina and perfectly fitting lids.
Comparable examples are held in the Musée Curtius, Liège (inv. L.1788.23 and L.1790.11).

• Height: 17 cm

• Combined weight: 380 g

• Silver fineness: approx. 800/1000

• Period: late 18th century (c.1785–1790)

• Origin: workshop of Mathieu Guillaume, Liège

A rare and museum-quality pair, exemplifying the elegance of late rococo Liège silverwork.