A MONUMENTAL GERMAN SILVER AND HARDSTONE CUP AND COVER

SIGNED A. DREES, HAMBURG, CIRCA 1905

Details

A MONUMENTAL GERMAN SILVER AND HARDSTONE CUP AND COVER
SIGNED A. DREES, HAMBURG, CIRCA 1905
The cup on circular base chased with lobes and beading, the stem applied with four lapis lazuli oval cabochons and openwork apron, the bowl chased with lobes and flat-chased with beading and scrollwork, the cover with alternating circular and oval cartouches, the oval cartouches chased with a hare amid flat-chased clover, a duck with flat-chased water and leaves, a fox with flat-chased foliage and a turkey with flat-chased pine leaves, the domed cover with pine boughs and pinecones against a matte ground, the acorn finial set with agate, signed on foot
19¾ in. (50.2 cm.) high; 71 oz. (2221 gr.)

Lot Essay

This cup is closely related to the designs of Ernst Riegel (1871-1939), one of Germany's most prominent Jugendstil silversmiths. Riegel was particularly known for his skill as a chaser, his use of hard stones and his preference for traditional forms such as cups and covers, all characteristic of this lot. Riegel's work in the Darmstadt artist's colony and as a professor at Cologne proved highly influential to colleagues and students.

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