Object Description
Pair of gilt-metal and enamel ‘Fleurs des Siècles’ flower baskets by Gorham
American, c.1975
Height 15cm, width 17cm, depth 13cm
Designed by Jane Hutcheson for the Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island, these flower models are part of the ‘Fleurs des Siècles’ range, which was in production during the 1970s and 80s. They comprise gilt-metal woven baskets, filled with enamelled forget-me-nots and leaves on further gold-plated wire stems. Many works in this range feature exclusively gilt and silvered metal flowers, other porcelain bowls, whereas these exquisite decorative pieces utilise meticulously detailed enamel elements to imitate the natural appearance of these gentle, colourful flowers, mounted within a large woven gilt-metal basket.
Said to be inspired by 18th century Vincennes porcelain flowers, the ‘Fleurs des Siecles’ line was designed by Jane Hutcheson for Gorham and produced in their Providence factory. Advertisements at the time described these works as, ‘blooming beautifully from here to eternity to grow more precious with time,’ referring to their unfading beauty and decorative permanence, which makes them highly desirable home accents and decorative pieces, blurring the lines between natural specimens and sculpture.