German Art Nouveau Openwork Silver .800 Basket

Provenance
Large openwork basket in German 800 silver, dating from the early 20th century and reflecting the decorative vocabulary of the Art Nouveau period. The underside bears hallmarks, including the 800 silver standard, consistent with German silver production of the period. Its flared form, folding handle and floral garland decoration place it within the tradition of European table baskets, often described in the market as sweet-meat baskets, candy dishes, fruit baskets or decorative centrepieces.

Description
The basket has a highly architectural and decorative form, with a wide flared body raised on an openwork pedestal foot. The upper section is shaped with a broad, flowing rim, the ends gently lifted to create an elegant, dynamic outline. The entire structure is pierced and open, composed of vertical ribs, oval apertures, arched sections and delicate vegetal ornament. The decoration is particularly rich, with applied and chased garlands of flowers, roses, leaves, scrolls and small relief ornaments distributed across the body, rim and base. The folding handle is also pierced and decorated, allowing the piece to be displayed either with the handle raised or lowered. In type and function, the basket relates to late 19th- and early 20th-century European silver table baskets used for sweets, fruit, desserts or as refined centrepieces. Comparable examples often include glass liners; the present basket is offered without an interior glass insert. weight – 1058 g.

Technique and materials
800 silver, pierced openwork construction, chased decoration and applied floral elements. The workmanship is visible in the precision of the lattice, the regularity of the vertical supports, the detailed modelling of the floral ornaments and the balanced construction of the flared form.

Dating
Germany, early 20th century, Art Nouveau period. The dating is supported by the 800 silver standard, the folding-handle table-basket form, the flared silhouette and the sinuous floral ornament typical of European decorative arts around 1900.

Condition
Very good overall condition. Normal signs of age and use, with light surface patina, oxidation and wear consistent with antique silver. The openwork structure is well preserved, the folding handle is present and functional, and the floral decoration remains clearly defined. No glass liner is included.

Function and display
The basket may be used as a table centrepiece, fruit basket, sweet-meat basket, candy dish or decorative display object. Its pierced construction and floral ornament make it suitable for presentation on a dining table, sideboard, console or in a silver collection.

Dimensions
height without handle – 29 cm
width – 33 cm
depth – 25 cm