Decorative Silver Decanter Vase .800 With Tritons And Eagle 1.45kg

Provenance

Decorative vase-carafe in .800 silver, conceived in a historicist ornamental vocabulary combining mythological references, aquatic motifs and heraldic-inspired elements. The piece is notable for its highly structured composition, in which the sculptural decoration is not merely applied, but forms an essential part of the object’s visual architecture.

Description

This substantial silver piece has an elegant vertical form, raised on a richly decorated circular pedestal foot. The body, slightly ovoid and narrowing toward the neck, is decorated in high relief with aquatic scenes, stylised waves, reeds, garlands, medallions and vegetal ornament. The upper section is animated by a prominently modelled eagle with outstretched wings, placed on the shoulder of the vessel; the feathers are carefully chased and give strong sculptural presence to the composition.

On either side of the neck are figures of tritons or marine beings, integrated into the decorative structure and holding the rising elements of the handle. The handle itself is particularly striking, forming a large openwork, sinuous and symmetrical composition with scale-like surfaces, scrolls and zoomorphic terminals. The hinged lid is surmounted by a stylised pinecone-shaped finial, continuing the naturalistic vocabulary of the whole. The decoration combines marine, mythological and ornamental references in a dense yet balanced manner. Weight: 1443 g.

Technique and materials

Made of .800 silver, with repoussé, chasing and cast elements used for the more pronounced sculptural details. The quality of execution is visible in the finely worked eagle feathers, the modelling of the marine figures, the textured grounds and the detailed handle. The contrast between smooth surfaces, polished reliefs and darker recessed areas gives depth and legibility to the decoration.

Dating

A work to be placed in the historicist taste of the late 19th or early 20th century, as suggested by its neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque vocabulary, the use of mythological figures, heraldic-inspired motifs and abundant relief decoration.

Condition

Good overall condition, with visible signs of age, oxidation and natural patina consistent with the material and use of the object. The lid opens. The relief decoration, handle and principal ornamental elements appear well preserved.

Function and display

A decorative piece of strong presence, suitable as an ornamental vase, decorative carafe or collectible silver object. Owing to its height, sculptural decoration and quality of relief, it would display particularly well in a classical interior, a silver collection or a gallery setting.

Dimensions

height - 46 cm
width - 17 cm