Aesthetic Era Sterling Bowl with Shell Motif by Whiting Manufacturing Company

This exceedingly rare silver bowl was made in the Aesthetic taste by Whiting Manufacturing Company. The sterling silver bowl features naturalistic repousse motifs of shells and seaweed, some of which are parcel gilt and feature the most incredible detail. The interior of the bowl is gold washed to prevent it from tarnishing if filled with acidic foods and creates a beautiful contrast between inside and out. The majority of the silver externally has been worked with a satin like finish which has the most incredible soft texture when handled. Aesthetic movement pieces of silver are extremely covetable and highly sought after by collectors and institutions. During the second half of the 19th century Whiting who worked out of New York were known to craft pieces in the aesthetic taste, with sea-life and shells a recurring theme. This particular bowl is hallmarked for manufacture by Whiting in 1885, the height of the Aesthetic period. The bowl is in exceptional condition for its age, with very few signs of use, and being fully marked is a piece for a true connoisseur. 

Marked - Whiting lion hallmark & 'STERLING' along with '1872N' relating to year of manufacture

Measures - 21cm D x 10cm H

Total weight of piece - 542 grams