MARK OF JOHN EMES, LONDON, 1802

Details

A GEORGE III SILVER-GILT MOUNTED WOOD PRESENTATION CUP
Mark of John Emes, London, 1802
Urn form on a circular foot with engraved scrolling foliage and inscription, the lower body with applied leaves, the upper body wood with a painted inscription, the rim engraved with scrolling foliage, marked inside bowl and under base, with a fitted green leather case stamped "Bulgari"
9¼in. (23.5cm.) high

Provenance

S.J. Phillips

Engraved

The base engraved: "A Relic of the immortal Pope's Weeping Willow Tree planted about the year 1718 and cut down in April 1801."

The wood bowl with painted inscription: "Alexander Pope. B. 1688. D. 1744 The body of this cup was cut from the Weeping Willow, the favorite tree of Pope on his grounds at Twickenham. Was designed and mounted by John Rundell, for his esteemed friend John Flaxman, 1785."

Lot Essay

In 1719, Alexander Pope leased a house in Twickenham, on the banks of the Thames. With the assistance of William Kent, Pope designed the grounds to include a grotto and a weeping willow tree. The tree became well-known among Pope's circle of friends, and when in 1801 the willow died, the remains were made into relics.

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