Thomas Holland II – An Exceptional Set Of Four Large Solid-silver Salt Cellars – London,

Exceptional set of four large solid silver salt cellars made in London by the silversmith Thomas Holland II, comprising one pair dated 1806 and one pair dated 1811.

Of remarkable quality, these salt cellars are distinguished both by the richness of their decoration and by their particularly massive and sculptural character. The complete set weighs an impressive 870 grams, representing more than 200 grams per piece, a particularly substantial amount of silver for salt cellars of this type.

Each salt cellar is of oval form, with a deep bowl surrounded by a broad border entirely devoted to marine ornamentation. The border is richly decorated in relief with an abundance of shells, conches, coral and other marine motifs, arranged in a dense and highly decorative composition. The finely executed chasing gives great depth to the ornament and clearly defines each individual element against the textured ground.

The border is further punctuated by prominent shells, giving rhythm to the composition and reinforcing its sculptural quality.

Each salt cellar rests on four powerful feet modelled as fantastic fish or dolphins, cast in solid silver. Their curved, scaled bodies terminate in imposing fish heads with strongly defined eyes and finely detailed fins. The vigorous modelling of these feet contributes greatly to the originality and striking presence of the set.

The quality of manufacture is particularly apparent when the pieces are handled: measuring 11.5 cm in length, 9 cm in width and 4 cm in height, and each weighing more than 200 grams, these salt cellars possess an unusual density and monumentality.

The combination of the two pairs, made five years apart, in 1806 and 1811, is particularly interesting and today forms a spectacular set of four examples of the same model.

A superb work by Thomas Holland II, a London silversmith whose known production includes several particularly ambitious and richly worked pieces.

Characteristics

• Silversmith: Thomas Holland II
• Origin: London, England
• Dates: one pair 1806, one pair 1811
• Material: solid silver
• Set: four salt cellars
• Shape: oval
• Decoration: shells, conches, coral and marine motifs
• Feet: four fantastic fish or dolphin-form feet in cast and chased silver
• Length: 11.5 cm
• Width: 9 cm
• Height: 4 cm
• Total weight: 870 g
• Individual weight: more than 200 g each

We also have a selection of antique silver salt spoons available and can, upon request, propose four spoons to accompany this set.