Hanau - Louis XVI Style Vase In Solid Silver 800/1000 Decorated With Gorgons And Loves

Hanau - Louis XVI style solid silver 800/1000 vase with gorgonian and amor decor, circa 1880

Description

Elegant solid silver 800/1000 vase made in Hanau circa 1880. This high quality German production is directly inspired by the Louis XVI decorative repertoire, highly appreciated at the end of the XIXᵉ century for its refinement and the balance of its compositions.

The flared shape is a perfect example of the Louis XVI style.

The flared form rests on a circular pedestal and receives a rich applique decoration composed of laurel garlands, ribboned bows, flower falls and finely chased oval medallions. Two remarkable gorgonian heads, treated with great relief and finesse, form the side grips. Intertwined snakes emerge from their hair, elegantly enlivening the upper edge of the piece.

The decoration is organized around two main medallions. The first depicts a lover and evokes the sentimental and gallant universe dear to the XVIIIᵉ century. The second is associated with a composition of musical instruments and constitutes an allegory of the arts, a classic theme in the Louis XVI decorative vocabulary.

By the richness of its ornamentation, the quality of its chasing and the originality of its gorgon-decorated sockets, this piece is a very fine example of Hanau production in the late XIXᵉ century, renowned for its technical excellence and interpretation of the great French styles.

Presented today as a decorative vase, this elegant object will naturally find its place within a silverware collection or in a classic interior.

Features

• Silversmith : Hanau production
• Origine: Germany
• Material: solid silver 800/1000
• Era: circa 1880
• Style: Louis XVI
• Decor: laurel garlands, ribboned bows, flowers and medallions
• Grips: two gorgon heads with snake decoration
• Medallions: allegories of love and the arts
• Height: 14 cm
• Width: 17 cm
• Weight: 459 g
• Condition: very good condition with slight traces of use compatible with age