Description

An exceptional 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 flat chased in the Chinese style with oriental figures, a snake-coiled fountain, a temple and exotic birds all within a fantastical forest landscape. The plain scroll is pricked with initials “B.I.M”.

Contains 1500 ml.
Weight 804g, 25.8 troy oz.
Height 17.7cm (to top of thumb piece), 7ins. Spread 19.5cm, 7.7ins. Diameter 14cm (top), 5.5cm.
London 1678.
Maker “RH”.
Sterling silver.
17th 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 maker’s mark “RH” with a cinquefoil and two pellets below has not been identified- Jacksons p.124.

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 oriental figures, birds and Chinese landscapes. The attraction of this silverware has continued in popularity across the centuries with many developments in the chinoiserie style decoration.

Provenance.
Sold by a nobleman; Sotheby’s, London, 22 January 1959, lot 145. Purchased by How (of Edinburgh, Limited), leading experts in antique silver.
Anonymous sale; Sotheby’s, 10 June 1993, lot 401.
Exhibited at The Royal Academy, London “The Age of Charles II”, 1960-1961, no. 276, Lady Violet Benson.

Click here to read our article on Chinoiserie Silver.

This superb tankard is in very good condition. Shows moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Excellent sharp hand engraving. A nice feature are the tell-tale dents on top of the handle where the thumb piece has been touching for over 340 years. Excellent sharp hand engraving. The “blobby” mercury solder on the base of the tankard is original to the manufacture and quite normal for silver items of this date.

No maker assigned

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