Description

A rare early English silver cup and cover with finely engraved chinoiserie decoration to the body and lid. Large size and good heavy weight. The fantastical Chinese forest landscape contains exotic long tailed birds and spidery plants depicted in beautiful hand chased ornament. To the front there is a widow’s armorial, owner’s initials, and the date “1683”. The shaped handles are typical of this early period.

Weight 575g, 18.4 troy oz.
Height 11.2cm (to rim), 17.5cm (to top of finial). Spread 21.8cm. Diameter 14.1cm.
London 1683.
Maker Robert Cooper.
Sterling silver.
17th century.

Marks. Stamped below the body rim with a full and matching set of English silver hallmarks, maker’s mark twice on the lid edge.

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.

Read our article on Chinoiserie Silver

This excellent porringer is in very good condition with a lovely antique patina. The chinoiserie decoration retains definition with minimal wear commensurate with age. The hand chasing is beautifully executed with the toolmarks visible on the inside of the body and lid. The lid rim is slightly not round.

Maker: Robert Cooper

Robert Cooper, London silversmith, apprenticed to Thomas George 1664, free 1670. Livery 1685. There are records of one Old Standard mark pre-1697 mark. His New Standard mark, undated, was probably April 1697 on commencement of the register. Warden 1707,1711 and 1712 and Prime Warden 1717.

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