Caen , 1695-1715, Silver Bowl , Gabriel Poulain , Louis XIV

Extremely rare Louis XIV period covered silver bowl. It is in very good condition.
The decoration on the lid is typical of the period, with its appliques that can also be found on the most beautiful timbal of the same period. The lid is not hallmarked, the bowl itself is hallmarked with Gabriel Poulain's master hallmark, on each handle and on the rim of the bowl are traces of three guarantee hallmarks, of which only the master goldsmith's hallmark is still legible. Gabriel Poulain is one of the many representatives of the Poulain family who were silversmiths in Caen and Rouen between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. He was admitted to the master's program in 1693, when Caen had 18 silversmiths, including four members of the Poulain family. Gabriel's mother continued her late husband's workshop during the same period.
Bowl and lid together weigh 720 grams.