Description

A rare example of early English chinoiserie silver. A finely engraved tankard with the flat hinged lid and s scroll handle typical of the period. Large size and good heavy weight. The body and lid are beautifully hand chased with a fantastical Chinese landscape containing long tailed birds and spidery plants. To the front there is an extraordinary bridge with a coiled snake or rope below.

Contains 1500 ml.
Weight 982 grams, 31.5 troy ounces.
Height 18.6cm (to top of thumb piece). Spread 21cm. Diameter 12.3cm (top).
London 1683.
Maker St John Hoyle.
Sterling silver.
17^th century.

Marks. Stamped on the lid and below the body rim with a full and matching set of English silver hallmarks; handle with maker’s mark. The top of the handle has the prick marked owner’s initials “EM”.

Literature. The popularity of Chinoiserie emerged in the late 17th century as Europe became fascinated with the exotic East. Silverware of normal European forms was decorated with charming scenes representing Chinamen, birds and Chinese landscapes. The attraction of this silverware has continued in popularity across the centuries with many developments in the chinoiserie style decoration.

Click here to read our article on Chinoiserie Silver

This excellent tankard is in very good condition with a lovely antique patina. The chinoiserie decoration retains definition with minor wear in part commensurate with age; the handle has 2 small dents where the thumbpiece has been touching for 340 years and another small dent from general use.

Maker: St John Hoyte

St John Hoyte, London silversmith, apprenticed to Thomas King 1668, free 1676. Hoyte’s mark was struck on the 1682 Mark Plate. Livery 1685. Died 1693 and the mark of his widow Frances Hoyte appeared on plate from that time. Hoyte took 6 apprentices during his working career. Hoyte produced a large range of hollow wares including tankards, flagons and porringers and many chinoiserie decorated tankards, porringers salvers and tea cups.

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