Silver Vase With Tritons, Ca. 1930, 1.5 Kg

Provenance

An Italian piece from the 1930s, crafted in 800/1000 silver and bearing hallmarks on the base. The piece belongs to the Italian tradition of decorative silverwork, drawing inspiration from Baroque motifs and mythological iconography associated with the marine world.

Description

A significant decorative silver vase, characterized by a particularly elaborate sculptural composition centered on the theme of the sea. The globular body is entirely adorned with high-relief decoration consisting of large shells, stylized waves, fish, and sea creatures arranged in superimposed registers. Two bearded tritons with fish tails sit on either side of the long, flared neck. Each holds a trident, an element that reinforces the reference to Neptune’s marine retinue and the mythological world of the Mediterranean.

The decoration extends uninterrupted around the entire circumference of the vase, giving the object an almost entirely sculptural character. The widely flared shells form a transition between the body and the neck, while the circular base, also adorned with shell motifs and undulating forms, extends the aquatic theme all the way to the foot. The neck, more understated and smooth, contrasts with the richness of the lower decoration and ends in a wide opening with a freely undulating rim.

The composition reflects a Neo-Baroque style that was very prevalent in Italian goldsmithing of this period, combining naturalistic motifs, mythological themes, and sculptural modeling.

Weight: 1,472 g.

Technique and Materials

800/1000 silver. The decoration combines relief work, modeling, chasing, and hand-finished details. The figures of the tritons and the marine elements are rendered in high relief, with particular attention paid to the scales, hair, shells, and surface textures. The piece is hallmarked and bears the silver fineness mark.

Date

Italy, circa 1930. The decorative style, the richness of the modeling, and the historicist interpretation of Baroque and mythological motifs are characteristic of Italian decorative silverwork from the interwar period.

Condition

In good overall condition, with signs of use and slight wear consistent with the object’s age. The surface retains the irregularities and marks characteristic of an antique, handcrafted piece. See photographs for details on the condition.

Use and Purpose

Decorative object intended to be displayed as a vase or a standalone piece of silverware. Its highly sculptural design makes it ideal for display as a centerpiece on a console table, a table, a pedestal table, or in a display case dedicated to decorative arts and European silverware.

Dimensions

height - 34 cm
width - 20 cm
depth - 16 cm