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Material: Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Figural Boar Figurine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver miniature figurine.
In sterling silver.
In the form of a boar in trot.
Hallmarked to the stomach.
Simply a wonderful miniature boar!
Date:
20th Century
Overall C...
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Armadillo Sterling Silver Lighter
Located in Milan, IT
Playful true-to-life silver armadillo that serves as a lighter other than being a decorative artwork in its own right. Expertly made by the Florentine...
Category
2010s Italian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
$5,880 / item
Sterling Silver Bird Objet d'Art Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original artwork.
Limited.
Sterling silver top and legs with marble egg form center.
Beautiful craftsmanship detailing.
Stamped under.
Fine original vintage condition with a nice pat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Sterling Silver
Rare Buccellati Italy Silver Sculpture of the Three Wise Monkeys
By Buccellati
Located in Queens, NY
Rare Buccellati Italy Silver Sculpture of the Three Wise Monkeys
A remarkable Buccellati sterling silver sculpture of the iconic Three Wise Mon...
Category
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Ruth Bloch Sterling Silver "Lovers" Sculpture
By Ruth Bloch 1
Located in Round Top, TX
A Sterling Silver pair of figures on a display block by noted artist Ruth Bloch.
Stamped R.B. and 925, includes black painted wood block plinth. Ruth Bloch was born in Israel in 195...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Organic Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
$1,280 Sale Price
20% Off
Russian Silver Persian Cat Sculpture, Soviet Period, 88 Zolotnik, Marked "S.W."
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Highly Detailed Russian Silver, Soviet Period Persian Cat Sculpture with Garnet Eyes, 88 Zolotnik, Marked "S.W.," Circa 1950s
A finely modeled and intricately chased hollow silver sculpture of a long-haired domestic cat, likely modeled after the Persian or Himalayan breed. The animal is depicted in a seated posture, with a stylized curling tail and attentive expression, rendered with lifelike depth and emotional presence. The rich fur texture is deeply chased and subtly polished across high points, creating dramatic surface contrast and a tactile, almost lifelike softness.
The sculpture’s meticulous hand-chasing, naturalistic pose, and jewel-like eyes reflect the enduring influence of Karl Fabergé’s animalier tradition, particularly the small-scale silver and hardstone animal studies produced in his Moscow workshops at the turn of the 20th century. Like Fabergé’s celebrated menagerie, this piece captures both the anatomical accuracy and the spirited personality of its subject, elevating it from a decorative object to a work of art imbued with character and luxury.
The figure's eyes are set with smooth red cabochon stones—likely garnets or finely colored glass paste—enhancing its realistic gaze. The underside bears a Russian silver hallmark, including the “88” zolotnik standard (equivalent to .916 silver purity), along with the Latin-letter maker’s mark “S.W.,” attributed to a postwar Soviet-era workshop producing fine export silver.
Although the piece appears solid at first glance, it is finely executed as a sealed hollow-form casting using the lost-wax method, a traditional sculptural technique that allowed for rich surface modeling while minimizing weight. A faint rattle can be heard when the figure is gently moved, caused by a small remnant from the casting core or finishing process—a common occurrence in Russian and Continental silver animal figures...
Category
20th Century Russian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
1930's Mario Buccellati .800 Silver Italian Duckling Statue Figurine Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage original Mario Buccellati Italian .800 silver furry duckling statue/figurine dating from the 1930's. Signed on the bottom of one foot. Made in Milano, Italy. Also ma...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Elegant Fish-Form Silver-Plated Napkin Holders Sterling Style Luxury Table Décor
Located in Wembley, GB
Elegant Fish-Form Silver-Plated Napkin Holders – Sterling Silver Style Luxury Table Décor
Bring an element of refined artistry and timeless elegance to your dining or interior setting with this set of fish-shaped silver-plated napkin holders. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece showcases the intricate scales, fins, and lifelike contours of a fish, creating a striking balance of naturalistic beauty and luxury design.
These sculptural napkin holders are both decorative and functional, offering a sophisticated way to present napkins at formal dinners, luxury events, or elegant home settings. Their gleaming silver-plated finish, reminiscent of sterling silver craftsmanship, adds brilliance and refinement, while the contrasting tones of silver and gilt gold plating provide versatility for different table settings and interior styles.
Perfect for collectors of fine silverware, interior designers, and hosts who appreciate high-end dining accessories, this set embodies the heritage of European decorative silver design while offering a unique, contemporary twist with its bold fish motif.
Key Features
Material: High-quality silver-plated (with sterling silver style finish)
Design: Fish-shaped, detailed scales and fins, realistic artistry
Finish: Mixed tones – silver and gilt gold plating for luxurious contrast
Condition: Very good vintage condition, highly polished and well-preserved
Function: Napkin holders, luxury table décor, or decorative collectible pieces
Style: Timeless European-inspired design for fine dining and interior elegance
Unlike standard napkin holders, these fish-form silver-plated pieces function as both practical dining accessories and statement décor items. Their sculptural quality makes them equally at home on a luxury dining table, displayed as part of a silverware collection, or even used as interior accents in modern and classical homes alike.
This unique design draws on traditions of antique sterling silver tableware while offering an accessible option for collectors and hosts who want to achieve the same level of sophistication.
Silver-Plated Fish Napkin Holders, Sterling Silver Style Tableware, Luxury Silver Dining Accessories, Collectible Silver-Plated Decor, High-End Silver Tableware, Antique Silver Napkin Holders...
Category
1960s British Art Deco Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Sheet Metal, Silver Leaf
$421 Sale Price / item
22% Off
Antique Pair of Silver Peacock Stand, Decoration Object for Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
Pair of Silver-Plated Peacock Figurines Hollywood Regency Style, Vintage Luxury
A striking pair of silver-plated peacock sculptures, masterfully handcrafted in the classic Hollywood ...
Category
1940s Danish Hollywood Regency Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Pair of Silver Rooster Stand, Decoration for Home Décor, Animal Figure
Located in Wembley, GB
A Pair of Artistically created birds for table decor, silver-plated roosters - ideal for a coffee table or bookends. These figures are Classic Hollywood Regency! They are each unique...
Category
1940s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
$519 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Large Silver Peacock Stand, Antique Pair of Decoration Object Home Decor Bird
Located in Wembley, GB
A Pair of large, artistically created birds for table decor and silver-plated peacocks are ideal for a coffee table, sideboards, or bookends. These figures are Classic Hollywood Rege...
Category
1930s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Sheet Metal
$538 Sale Price / item
52% Off
Modernist Abstract Bird Sculpture Sterling Silver and Stone
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modernist Bird Sculpture Sterling Silver and Stone
signed
2.75 h x 1.75 w x 3.75 d
Preowned original vintage condition
See all images fo...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Sterling Silver
Los Castillo Abstract Fish- Pull Handles Malachite Sterling Mexican Modernist
By Los Castillo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a pair of pull handles by Los Castillo. Abstract Fish with malachite and silver. Mexico Circa the 1950s.
Dimensions: 3.75" W x 3" H x .75" D
Please visit t...
Category
1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Malachite, Sterling Silver
Pair of antique English sterling silver pheasant models made in 1925
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1925, this Antique Sterling Silver Pair of Pheasants, are very early for British hallmarked examples, and have removable heads in the style of the earlier ...
Category
1920s English Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
The Frog Sterling Silver Lighter
Located in Milan, IT
Playful true to life silver frog that serves as a lighter other than being a decorative piece of artwork. Expertly handmade by the Florentine silversmiths, the Lisi Brothers, its rea...
Category
2010s Italian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
$6,830 / item
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Hawk on a Sodalite Stone
By Ranzoni Fatelli
Located in VALENZA, IT
Hawk in sterling silver on a sodalite stone-base.
The hawk was made in casting. The finish was made completely by hand with chisel and engraving.
The reproductions of animals in sol...
Category
1980s Italian Other Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rare Edwardian sterling silver horse model made in London in 1901
By Henry Lewis
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1901 by Henry Lewis, this handsome, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Model of a Horse, has a cropped tail like a polo pony, and is very realistically modell...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
A Large Buccellati Silver Model of a Realistic Caribbean Spiny Lobster
Located in Queens, NY
A Large Buccellati Italian Silver Model of a Realistic Caribbean Spiny Lobster
Expertly crafted to capture the essence of the real lobster, this m...
Category
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver heavy hollow body rooster figure is signed 925 on the base and is in fine condition.
Beautifully made and proportioned well. Great patina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
Very large pair of sterling silver pheasants made by Garrards in London 1973
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1973 by the renowned Garrard & Co., this impressive pair of solid sterling silver pheasants showcases superb craftsmanship and naturalistic detail. Each bird ...
Category
1970s English Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Monumental Life Size Parrot Bird Sterling Silver 925 Centerpiece, Sculpture on M
Located in Long Island City, NY
Monumental Life Size Parrot Bird Sterling Silver 925 Centerpiece, Sculpture on Marble Base
Signed by Artist L. Soprani and marked 925
Dimensions:
Height 26in; width 26 1/2in; d...
Category
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Sterling Silver
$10,000 Sale Price
60% Off
Playful Companions: A Rare Buccellati Sterling Silver Sculpture of Nine Mice
Located in Queens, NY
Playful Companions: A Rare Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Sculpture of Mice on Desert Rose Crystal Base.
This exceptional and rare Buccellati sculpture features nine meticulously ...
Category
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Presentation Car
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This exceptional and rare, vintage English sterling silver presentation ornament has been realistically modelled in the form of a car in the Art Nouveau manner.
The body of this stylised Jaguar style car has a plain moulded form.
This exceptional model surmounts the original carved stained oak wood plinth, accented with a vacant silver inscription plaque to the lower rim.
This exceptional vintage silver presentation ornament is fitted to the original hinged leatherette box with satin and velvet lined interior, secured with two hinged catches.
Condition
This vintage sterling silver...
Category
Late 20th Century British Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of Silver-Plated Peacock Figurines Hollywood Regency Style, Vintage Luxury
Located in Wembley, GB
Pair of Small Silver-Plated Peacock Figurines Hollywood Regency Style, Vintage Luxury Décor & Gift
An exquisite pair of small silver-plated peacock sculptures, designed in the class...
Category
1940s Danish Hollywood Regency Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$225 Sale Price / item
40% Off
Antique Sliver Napkin Holder Swann Birds Decorative Tissue Organiser Home Décor
Located in Wembley, GB
Add a touch of vintage charm to your dinner table with this beautiful swan napkin holder. Crafted from high-quality metal with silver, it is the perfect addition to any home decor. T...
Category
1960s British Art Deco Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver Leaf, Sheet Metal, Sterling Silver, Silver Plate
$335 Sale Price
43% Off
Silver Chamberstick / Candleholder Hippocampus / Seahorse, 1837 Munich, Germany
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Silver Chamberstick / candleholder hippocampus / seahorse, circa 1837 Munich, Germany.
This silver Chamberstick retain the original detachable snuffer.
We have specialized in the sa...
Category
1830s German Early Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Pair of Silver Peacock Stand, Decoration Object for Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
Pair of Silver-Plated Peacock Figurines Hollywood Regency Style, Vintage Luxury 32cm
A striking pair of silver-plated peacock sculptures, masterfully handcrafted in the classic Holly...
Category
1940s Danish Hollywood Regency Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$590 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Sterling Silver with Parcel Gilt Medieval Knights, Set of Three
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver with Gold Wash Historical Knight Figurines, likely German ,Set of Three. Each depicts an iconic medieval warrior . Modeled in full armor with parce...
Category
Early 20th Century German Medieval Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Large George iv Silver Sideboard Dish, Made by Joseph Angell II, 1828
Located in London, GB
A large George IV silver sideboard dish, made by Joseph Angell II, 1828
English, early 19th century
Diameter 75cm, depth 10cm
This magnifice...
Category
Early 19th Century English George IV Antique Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
$265,037 Sale Price
30% Off
Parrot Bird Carved Stone Sculpture on Amethyst
Located in New York, NY
Highly realistic and detailed sculpture of a parrot with gilt silver legs perched on an amethyst base. This beautiful piece measures 6 1/3'' in height by 3 3/4'' in depth by 4 1/4'' in width.
We hand polish all items...
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Incredible limited edition 12.5kg solid silver model of an African Bull Elephant
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Edinburgh in 1997 by Hamilton & Inches, and designed and modelled by Victor Hayton for the World Wildlife Fund, this incredible, Elizabeth II period, Limited Edition St...
Category
1990s Scottish Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Emaus Cuernavaca Modernist Mexican Taxco Sterling Silver & Wood Wall Plaque
Located in San Diego, CA
Hand crafted Modernist sterling silver on mahogany wood wall plaque by Emaus Cuernavaca, circa 1960's. Made in Taxco, Mexico and has the artist initials name on the back tag. Wonderf...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Miniature Vintage Italian Sterling Silver Dentist's Chair by La Medusa Oro
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, whimsical Italian silver sculpture.
By La Medusa Oro.
In sterling silver and mounted atop a wooden plinth.
In the form of a dentist's chair complete with an instrument tra...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Sliver Ring Holder Swann Birds Decorative Jewellery Organiser Home Décor
Located in Wembley, GB
Add a touch of vintage charm to your jewellery collection with this beautiful swan ring holder. Crafted from high-quality metal with silver plating, it is the perfect addition to any...
Category
1960s British Art Deco Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Silver Leaf, Sheet Metal, Sterling Silver, Silver Plate
$333 Sale Price / item
42% Off
Stuart Devlin Set of Twelve Silver and Silver-Gilt "Twelve Days of Christmas"
By Stuart Devlin, Cartier
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing an extraordinary and complete collection of Twelve English silver and silver-gilt "Twelve Days of Christmas" gift boxes, presented...
Category
1970s English Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mexican Taxco Abstract Modernist .970 Silver Bracelet by Antoñio Pineda
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous Mexican Taxco abstract modernist .970 silver bracelet by Antoñio Pineda, circa 1960s. This piece is not only a ready to wear creation but also a dynamic piece of modern scu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Pure 970 Silver Duck with golden beak and paws
Located in VALENZA, IT
Pure silver duck made with the lost wax technique.
The duck was made with the "lost wax" technique which allows the creation of a specific item very close to "pure silver."
This tech...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Other Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Nielsen Sterling Amethist Brutalist Mid Century Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A large sterling silver ring.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
19th Century German Extremely Detailed Sterling Silver and Gold Gilt Knight
Located in North Miami, FL
19th Century German extremely detailed sterling silver and gold gilt knight figure. Knight in full suit of armour, carved face beneath a hinged viso...
Category
19th Century German Antique Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Sterling Silver
Pair of sterling silver King Charles Spaniel models made by C J Vander in 1995
By C.J. Vander
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1995 by C. J. Vander, this charming pair of Elizabeth II period, Sterling Silver Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Models, are handsomely cast. The models measure...
Category
1990s English Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Adorable Family of Six Buccellati Sterling Silver Furry Chicks on Petrified Wood
By Buccellati
Located in Queens, NY
An Adorable Family of Six Italian Buccellati Sterling Silver Furry Chicks Resting on a Petrified Wood Base, Milan 20th Century
This enchanting creation by the renowned Italian silve...
Category
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mario Buccellati pair of Italian Silver Penguin-Form Magnum Wine Coolers
Located in North Miami, FL
A pair of realistically modeled as a male and female penguins, the hinged heads opening to reveal a bottle compartment Mario Buccellati was one of the most remarkable Italian jeweler...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
An Exquisite French Silver and Malachite Bust of Napoleon, By Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Queens, NY
An Exquisite French Silver and Malachite Bust of Napoleon, By Emile Pinedo
This exquisite French silver and malachite bust of Napoleon, masterfully crafted by the esteemed sculptor ...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Malachite, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Modern Joaquin Taller Sterling Silver Figural Bird Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This sterling silver figural bird or chicken was done by renowned South American silversmith Joaquin Taller in the period and style of Mid-Century Mode...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ecuadorean Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Sterling Silver
Roy Lichtenstein "Modern Head" Brooch/ Pendant, Sterling & Enamel, 1968
Located in New York, NY
"It's the kind of art you hang on you, not on a wall."
Roy Lichtenstein "Modern Head" Brooch/ Pendant. Sterling Silver and Enamel. C. 1968. Made by Multiples Inc., NYC. Overall gre...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
An Elegant Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Duck Perched on an Amethyst Base
Located in Queens, NY
An Elegant Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Duck Perched on an Amethyst Base, Milan, 20th Century
This exquisite creation epitomizes the craftsmanship and luxury for which Mario Buc...
Category
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Very Large Cast Sterling Silver Model of a Stag, London 1976 by Garrard & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1976 by Garrard & Co., this stunning Elizabeth II, Sterling Silver Model of a Stag, is realistically cast and chased, and stands on a marble base. The stag mo...
Category
1970s English Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sculptural Sterling Silver Necklace and Earrings Set by Graziella Laffi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking sterling silver jewelry suite of bold design by Graziella Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, Peru, circa 1970s. The set consists of a highly sculptural necklace with a large pendant...
Category
1970s Peruvian Modern Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Chinese Silver 925 Enameled Foo Dogs - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite pair of vintage Chinese enameled Foo Dogs, crafted from 925 sterling silver, showcases remarkable detail and artistry. The intricate hand-applied enamel in rich hues o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of Teno Silver Sea Shell Red Stone Eye Zodiac Figures
By Aurelio Teno
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Teno Co silver and shell red stone eye Gemini and Taurus, marble base figures/ bookends.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Sterling Silver
Pheasant Nº2 by Alcino Silversmith 1902 in Sterling Silver 925 with bone beak
Located in Porto, 13
Pheasant by Alcino Silversmith 1902 is a handcrafted piece in 925 sterling silver with bone beak
The piece is totally handcrafted, hammered and chiseled by excellent craftsmen, gi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Extremely RareHarry Bertoia Necklace Sterling Silver Lapis Coral ca. 1940
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Extremely rare combination pendant attached to custom-made chain by Harry Bertoia in sterling silver, containing one Lapis Lazuli and one Coral. This piece comes from a private collection. Provenance will accompany the piece. The work has been added to the Harry Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné and assigned the following catalogue raisonné number: D.JE.78.
Although associated with Mid-Century Modern furniture, Harry Bertoia was originally a jewelry designer who used both sterling silver, precious stones and gem stones. The pendant measures: 1.25" long x 1" wide. The necklace measures: 11" length with a measurement of 22" overall length. The chain and closure are all handcrafted and in his unique design. Lapis Lazuli measures 20mm round supported by one 6 mm red coral. Total weight is
33 grams.
The following is from Beverly H. Twitchell, PhD, author of Bertoia: The Metalworker, London: Phaidon, 2019. She provides a very informative critique of Bertoia and his jewelry.
Wearable Art an Important Design for a Necklace
“Before Harry Bertoia enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1937 he had already mastered traditional jewelers’ techniques, but his engagement with Modernism led him to invent and use more direct methods. Instead of precious metals and gems, Bertoia made jewelry that appealed through its design, craftsmanship and the nature of its materials. That approach would make Bertoia a direct predecessor of the American Studio Crafts movement.
So complex and cumulative are human perception and memory that we often do not know from where our own ideas come and without firm evidence, it is impossible to think we can establish the origins of an artist’s ideas. While his jewelry is entirely modern, chokers with multiple small pendants had come from ancient Mediterranean cultures: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Italy, even from Europe and America at the turn of the last century. Did Bertoia see works in books, journals or at the Detroit Institute of Arts that resonated with him or did he invent this on his own, as he would so many other forms?
Bertoia found inspiration in nature from an early age on a small farm in Italy and later in Cranbrook’s woods, on the beaches of southern California and in the fields near his home in eastern Pennsylvania where he lived after 1950. The fluidity and motion of the his jewelry characterize much of his art. In that spirit, too, he made jewelry that suited human anatomy and was animated by its wearer’s movement. Bertoia had the instincts of an engineer, as the intricacy of the present lot’s clasp and overall construction of the jewelry demonstrates. Large jewelry by Bertoia is very rare. A delight to the eye, and like all of Bertoia’s work it is timeless.”
Harry Bertoia (1915 – 1978) was an Italian-born American artist, jewelry creator and modern furniture designer. He was born in San Lorenzo d-Arzene, Pordenone, Italy. At age 15 he moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with his older brother, Oreste. He quickly learned English and the bus schedule and enrolled in Cass Tech High School in Detroit (1930-1936) where he studied art and design and learned the skill of handmade jewelry making. At that time, there were three jewelry and metals teachers Louise Green...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver Table Models of Pheasants 1926
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Pair of sterling silver models of Pheasants, English import marks for London 1926 Neresheimer & Co. The pheasants, male and female of usual form, realistically textured, chased feath...
Category
1920s German Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of sterling silver fighting cockerels made in London in 1968 by Barnards
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1968 by Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd, this handsome pair of Elizabeth II period, Sterling Silver Fighting Cockerels, are cast in the traditional fighting pose. T...
Category
1960s English Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique German Sterling Silver Presentation / Table Bird Ornaments
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive pair of antique German sterling silver presentation ornaments in the form of birds; part of our ornamental silverware collection
These magnificent antique sterling silver presentation/table ornaments have been realistically modelled in the form of birds perched on branches.
Each silver bird is ornamented with embossed and chased decoration, reproducing the details of the anatomical features and feathers.
The branches are embellished with fine embossed and chased features replicating the natural bark and annual growth rings.
The organic textured bases of the silver models stand to the original mahogany wood turned bases.
The hallmarks struck to each base of these exceptional table ornaments include:
Maker's mark: n (L. Neresheuner & Co)
Importer's mark: BHM (Berthold Hermann Muller)
Import mark: London, England
Silver quality/purity mark: 925 (.925 sterling, 925/1000)
Date mark: k (1925)
Additional mark: Hanau marks
These magnificent presentation silver...
Category
20th Century German Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Automated Humorous Monkey Portrait Sculpture Walking Stick Cane
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Humorous Articulated Monkey Head Portrait Sculpture Walking Stick Cane. Automated Monkey Cane.
Great Cane Representing an humorous Articulated Monkey Head portrait sculpture.. Antiq...
Category
Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of heavy cast sterling silver partridge models made in 1999 by C. J. Vander
By C.J. Vander
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1999 by C. J. Vander, this charming pair of Elizabeth II, Sterling Silver Partridges, are handsomely cast and hand finished. The pair together weigh a subs...
Category
1990s English Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sculptural Sterling Silver Choker Necklace and Earrings Set by Graziella Laffi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bespoken sterling silver jewelry suite of bold design by Graziella Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, Peru, circa 1970s. The set consists of a highly sculptural choker necklace and a pair of...
Category
1970s Peruvian Modern Vintage Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Sterling Silver Dolphin Pod Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice mid-century sterling silver dual dolphin pod sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with a nice patina and measures 7"W x 4.5"D x 4.5"H. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
20th Century Tureen or Center Piece in Sterling Silver 925 by Alcino Silversmith
Located in Porto, 13
The Rocaille tureen or center piece is a unique piece produced in the 70.80s in sterling silver 925 silver by Alcino Silversmith 1902.
This piece was designed and produced in our w...
Category
20th Century Portuguese Sterling Silver Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
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