Georgia - Sterling Silver

A large sterling silver vessel in an asymmetrical hour-glass vase form with a larger upper conical body balanced on a much smaller base. Crafted by Graziella Laffi, Lima, Peru, Circa 1965. Marked on the rim: G. Laffi, PERU. The vessel was designed as a modern rendition of ancient pre-Columbina drinking vessel used in ceremony. The piece projects a regal and substantial aura due to its thick double wall construction with seamless craftmanship. The exterior surface was decorated with high relief roundels with concentric rings, arranged in geometrical pattern in two difference sizes. It is an impressive presence with its unique form and ornamentation that is modern and ancient at the same time. The vessel weights about 2012 grams. Graziella Laffi was born in 1923 in Florence, Italy to Gino Laffi, a silversmith and artist. Following her family tradition, Graziella enrolled in master classes after elementary school, focusing on design and painting. She next attended Escuela de Bellas Artes de Puerta Romana for three years, where Gino taught, and then to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, where she concentrated in architecture until the start of World War II. In 1947, Graziella, then twenty-four, immigrated with her parents to Peru. Gino later created a silversmith studio and showroom called Fabrica Laffi on Avenue Mexico, where Graziella initially learned her Craft. The Pre-Columbian culture in her adopted country inspired Graziella to travel and collect, which ultimately influence her design in the silver pieces. Graziella learned the metalworking techniques of the ancient Peruvian civilizations and rejected the current technology. She mostly used hammering, rolling and creating joints as the ancients do. As an ambassador of Peruvian culture, her work promoted the indigenous Peruvian art and rekindled the interest in its ancient heritage throughout South America, the United States and Europe. She exhibited her growing collection of Peruvian artifacts...

A fine Cartier compact case in Art Deco style, circa 1930s. Sterling silver with gold gilt interior. The exterior features engraved line pattern that r...

An elaborately decorated silver serving dish or butler's tray, likely dated to the turn of the 20th century, made in China for the export market. The round tray has a solid center in...

A stunning choker style necklace in sterling silver by Graziella Laffi (1926-2009) Lima, Peru, circa 1960s. The bold necklace showcases an oversized plate...

A set of Chinese Export silver drinking set consists of a pinch bottle and five cordials circa 1910s-1920s. Featuring matching elaborate chased relief dra...

A Chinese export sterling silver tea set comprised of 13 pieces including tea pot, sugar, creamer, four tea bowls and six tea spoons, circa 1910s-1920s. Featuring matching chased rel...

An early mid-Century Modernist sterling silver water pitcher made by Hector Aguilar circa 1940-1945. Made in Taxco, Mexico and hallmarked Taxco /940 and Stamped for Hector Aguilar. T...

Sterling silver coffee server made by Watson Silver featuring a truncated cone on a spread base, S-scroll spout, hinged and domed cover with woode...

An English silver dressing table brush from the 19th century with silver piqué décor of lyre and floral arabesques. Born in England during the 19th century, this exquisite dressing t...

An English silver plate tray from the 19th century, with chased décor and lateral handles. This English silver plate tray features a delicately serpentine silhouette, adorned on each...

Modern sterling silver footed dish with handles designed and crafted by Tane Orfebres in Mexico. The open dish is decorated with features of the myt...

Modern sterling silver pitcher designed and crafted by Tane Orfebres in Mexico. The pitch is decorated with features of the mythical Quetzalcoatl design on the handle, base and lid a...

A Wiener Werkstatte silver reticulated flower basket with original glass insert in a very rare model made with silver. Designed by Josef Hoffmann (Austrian, 1870-1956), Vienna, circa...

Sterling silver Chinese export dresser set includes a beveled hand mirror, one hand brush holder, two round dresser containers with scalloped lids, one c...

From the prestigious firm of Bailey, Banks & Biddle, Philadelphia, this lovely sterling silver pair of octagonal shaped Tazzas feature ...

Irish sterling silver sauce boat featuring lion heads tapering into paw feet, a scalloped edge, a graceful handle. Marked with the symbol of Ireland and the harp fineness symbol. The...

A Mid-Century Modernist coffee or tea service in sterling silver designed by Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen, circa 1950s. The service consists of four pieces, a coffee pot, a cr...

Each having a hinged top above a glass container complete with glass stopper, silver marks. Cylinder measurements: Height: 4 in., diameter: 2.5 in, cube measurements: Height: 3.7...