AN AMERICAN SILVER CENTERPIECE DISH
PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE OF MYRNA AND BERNARD POSNER
AN AMERICAN SILVER CENTERPIECE DISH

MARK OF GORHAM MFG. CO., PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1872

Details
AN AMERICAN SILVER CENTERPIECE DISH
MARK OF GORHAM MFG. CO., PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1872
The shallow circular bowl with die-rolled border of pagodas and cranes in an exotic landscape, the center engraved with a medallion, raised by three female supports draped in kimono, all on a tripartite base, marked to underside and with date letter for 1872
13 in. (33 cm.) diameter
69 oz. 13 dwt. (2,116 gr.)

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Sallie Glover
Sallie Glover

Lot Essay


The present lot is a unique example of Gorham’s early adoption of Japanese principles of design. While the tripartite base and form recall the typical Neo-Classical design, the interchange of certain decorative elements shows the marked transition into the celebrated "Japanesque" halloware produced in the later 1870’s and 1880’s. The supports, usually in the form of classically draped women, are replaced with women in Japanese kimono. The standard die-roll bands incorporate Japanese flowering trees and idyllic landscapes, likely inspired by the Japanese woodblock prints that were known to be on hand in the Gorham manufactory.

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