Object Description
Antique gilt metal and glass centrepiece bowl by Elkington & Co.
English, Late 19th Century
Height 27cm, width 33cm, depth 17cm
Crafted by the renowned Birmingham-based silver manufacturer, Elkington & Co., this centrepiece bowl combines the beauty of gilt metal with coloured and cut glass.
The prominent bowl is standing on a shaped gilt metal base with a floral frieze. Above are two sweet putti sitting on scrolled mounts. Holding in their arms are two ribbon-tied foliate garlands draping on both sides of the antique. Above these are two escutcheons, each one engraved with a coat of arms. Extending from behind is a superb urn with scrolling handles.
Supported by the ornate base is a pierced gilt metal basket adorned with beading and foliate decoration. Inside it can be placed one of the two interchangeable bowls – one crafted from cut glass and the other from red glass.
On the underside, the piece is stamped with the maker’s mark as well as other hallmarks.
Of a very refined design, this centrepiece bowl would be an attention-grabbing adornment for one’s dining table.
A centrepiece suite of a very similar design was crafted by Elkington & Co. for the Duke of Sparta (also known as the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Greece).