Soufflot: Solid Silver Vermeil Dessert Forks, Japanese/chinese Style Dragon Decoration

Exceptional vermeil dessert forks with a chinoiserie design, crafted by the renowned silversmith Henri Soufflot.

The forks are decorated with a cartouche whose border is formed by the serpentine bodies of two dragons, whose heads form the base of the handle. One of the dragons breathes a large flame that spreads down the shank.

Scrolls of clouds and a bud motif also adorn the fork.

The other end of the handle is decorated on each side with a plum branch, in a style typical of China or Japan.

David Allan, in his famous work on 19th-century flatware, describes this model as follows: "Pieces with Japonisme decoration are quite uncommon, and these are of a finesse and quality rarely seen."

This model is surprisingly reproduced under the name "François I" in the catalog of Olier and Caron, Soufflot's successors. Perhaps this is a tribute (or a misinterpretation) to the emblem of this king, the Salamander.

The forks come in a case marked "A la gerbe d'or // 88 Rue de Rivoli, Paris."

Each piece is hallmarked:

Minerva 1st standard pre-1973 for 950/1000 sterling silver

Maker's mark: HS with a rising sun and a star for Henri Soufflot, active from 1884 to 1910

A magnificent set of forks of an extremely rare and elegant design, enhanced by the vermeil plating which accentuates their preciousness.

The forks are substantial, a sign of the care taken in the quality of their manufacture, perfectly in keeping with the beauty of the design.

15 cm long

323.7 grams net weight for the set

Very good condition. Minor scratches from use. The vermeil is exceptionally well preserved, with a beautiful, luminous gold color.

Collection in Paris or shipping via insured Colissimo.

France: €15
Europe: €20
Rest of the world: €35