Important George II Silver Epergne
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A stunning and highly important 18th-century epergne created by one of the few female silversmiths
Key Features
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- This highly important English silver epergne was once part of the famed Al-Tajir collection
- This 18th-century epergne was crafted by Ann Craig and John Neville
- Their's was one of only a handful of female/male silversmithing partnerships
- In terms of quality and importance, it is the finest example of its type
- Hallmarked London, 1743
- 32 1/2" wide x 13 1/2" high
Item Details
- Width:
32 1/2 Inches - Height:
13 1/2 Inches - Period:
18th Century - Origin:
England/Ireland
This phenomenal 18th-century antique English silver epergne is regarded so highly for its craftsmanship and type that it was once part of the legendary Al-Tajir Collection of gold and silver. Created during the reign of King George II (1727-1760), the epergne is the product of an important silversmith partnership, that of Ann Craig and John Neville. This partnership is historically significant in that, of the thousands of English silversmiths that have existed, only an estimated 63 of those were women. Of that scant number, there are even fewer that maintained a business relationship with a male partner that was not blood related.
This outstanding silver masterpiece rests upon four scroll supports with shell-formed feet, and exhibits openwork details executed with the highest level of precision, with a pierced mask and vine border motif. Four detachable two-light candelabra and four detachable dish branches allow this wonderful epergne to be as versatile as needed for any fine dining affair. This epergne is spectacular in every possible way.
The fact that this centerpiece was part of the Al-Tajir collection is a testament to its tremendous importance. The Al-Tajir Collection of gold and silver was assembled by Mohamad Mehdi Al-Tajir, former Ambassador to London of the United Arab Emirates. The collection comprises the finest examples of the Georgian era, all of which were hand-selected for the impeccable level of design and technical prowess they represent. In fact, it is considered the greatest compilation of silver ever assembled. This epergne has the added distinction of being crafted by one of the few highly skilled crafts-women to have worked in the silversmith trade, which was, historically a male-dominated industry. Only a handful of works created by female silversmiths exist today, with many pieces lost to the passage of time.
Hallmarked London, 1743
32 1/2" wide x 13 1/2" high
375 oz. 10 dwt.
Provenance:
Private Collection, New York, January 1967
Property of a Gentleman Collector
Christie's, New York, October 19, 2004, lot 1066
Exhibited:
Sydney Art Gallery of New South Wales, 1980, number 6
The Glory of the Goldsmith: Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir Collection, Christie's, 1989, number 86
Literature:
The Al-Tajir Collection of Silver and Gold: Volume I, 1983, J.B. Hawkins, pages 50-51
The Collector's Dictionary of the Silver and Gold of Great Britain and North America, 1985, M. Clayton, page 179, plate 36
The Glory of the Goldsmith: Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir Collection, Christie's, 1989, page 212, figure 86
This outstanding silver masterpiece rests upon four scroll supports with shell-formed feet, and exhibits openwork details executed with the highest level of precision, with a pierced mask and vine border motif. Four detachable two-light candelabra and four detachable dish branches allow this wonderful epergne to be as versatile as needed for any fine dining affair. This epergne is spectacular in every possible way.
The fact that this centerpiece was part of the Al-Tajir collection is a testament to its tremendous importance. The Al-Tajir Collection of gold and silver was assembled by Mohamad Mehdi Al-Tajir, former Ambassador to London of the United Arab Emirates. The collection comprises the finest examples of the Georgian era, all of which were hand-selected for the impeccable level of design and technical prowess they represent. In fact, it is considered the greatest compilation of silver ever assembled. This epergne has the added distinction of being crafted by one of the few highly skilled crafts-women to have worked in the silversmith trade, which was, historically a male-dominated industry. Only a handful of works created by female silversmiths exist today, with many pieces lost to the passage of time.
Hallmarked London, 1743
32 1/2" wide x 13 1/2" high
375 oz. 10 dwt.
Provenance:
Private Collection, New York, January 1967
Property of a Gentleman Collector
Christie's, New York, October 19, 2004, lot 1066
Exhibited:
Sydney Art Gallery of New South Wales, 1980, number 6
The Glory of the Goldsmith: Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir Collection, Christie's, 1989, number 86
Literature:
The Al-Tajir Collection of Silver and Gold: Volume I, 1983, J.B. Hawkins, pages 50-51
The Collector's Dictionary of the Silver and Gold of Great Britain and North America, 1985, M. Clayton, page 179, plate 36
The Glory of the Goldsmith: Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir Collection, Christie's, 1989, page 212, figure 86
