MARK OF GORHAM MFG. CO., PROVIDENCE, 1887, RETAILED BY THEODORE B. STARR

This centerpiece is recorded in the Gorham archives at a factory price of $979. Much of the cost relates to the extensive chasing, which totaled 450 hours, or seven-and-a-half work weeks to complete. The chasing on the centerpiece relates to a dinner service and tea service designed for the Paris Exposition of 1889, illustrated in Gorham's bilingual catalogue, described as "Oriental in Feeling. Indian in style." A tea service of this pattern sold in these Rooms, 23 May 2006, lot 156. An oyster tureen of this pattern is illustrated in Charles Carpenter, Gorham Silver, 1997, illus. p. 105.