The decorative tray made by Frederick Elkington in London in 1880 represents a refined example of Victorian English silverwork. It was deeply influenced by Orientalist taste and by the spread of Japonisme throughout European decorative arts during the second half of the nineteenth century. The Elkington workshop, renowned for its ability to interpret new international decorative trends, occupies a central place in the history of nineteenth-century British silverware.
The piece is distinguished above all by its unusual fan-shaped form, a solution that directly recalls objects from the Japanese tradition that were highly admired in Europe at the time. However, it is not only the silhouette that evokes Eastern aesthetics: the entire surface of the tray is decorated with a delicate engraved and gilt naturalistic scene featuring flowering branches, butterflies, and a swallow in flight, arranged against an elegant radiating background.
Furthermore, the combination of silvered surfaces, gilded details, and finely executed engraving creates an effect of remarkable refinement. The large handle with its ornamental knot, conceived almost as an independent sculptural element, further enhances the decorative character of the object.
The presence of the official hallmarks—including the passant lion, duty mark, and date letter—attests to the quality and proper assay of the London manufacture. Overall, this tray constitutes a significant example of the meeting between Victorian craftsmanship, Japonist taste, and exceptional silversmithing artistry.
Description: Fan-shaped, with an engraved and gilt body decorated with a Japanese-inspired naturalistic scene depicting a flowering branch, swallow, and butterflies against a radiating background. Featuring a large handle with an ornamental knot motif. The reverse bears the manufacturer’s hallmarks, passant lion, lion’s head, date letter, and duty mark; weight 1,195 g; H cm 5.5x40x36.
Hammer Price: € 3.000,00
Auction 85 – July, 8th, 2025 – Dimore – Furniture – Silver – Paintings
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