FREDRICK ELKINGTON
A set of twelve silver fish knives and forks with Shibayama handles, 1880-1882
$ 75,000.00
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The engraved blades and forks decorated with aquatic scenes, the Shibayama handles decorated with various fish and crustacean motifs carved in mother-of-pearl, coloured ivory, amongst carved ivory ripples, Meji period,...
The engraved blades and forks decorated with aquatic scenes, the Shibayama handles decorated with various fish and crustacean motifs carved in mother-of-pearl, coloured ivory, amongst carved ivory ripples, Meji period, monogrammed, maker's mark for Fredrick Elkington, assay marks for Birmingham 1880 and 1882, together with original fitted case.
Note: Elkington & Co. was, it seems, formed in the 1830s and was most known for its electroplating but also made fine objects in silver...such as these fish knives and forks inspired by the thirst for Japanese art and aesthetics that the forced reopening of trade with the western world in 1858 and the subsequent international exhibitions in London 1862 and Paris in 1867 had ignited. The fashion for 'Japonisme' infiltrated many sectors of the fine and decorative art world and had a long-lasting influence (like our 1920s 'prunus blossom' bracelet for example). Each knife and fork is different, engraved to both sides, and the level of detail is frankly astounding, every time I look at them I see something new, a little character hidden in a design, a new little flourish to a pattern...they are the finest of their type that we have ever come across and a real chef d'oeuvre. (There is a salver of Japonisme inspiration from 1879 in the MET museum).
Note: Elkington & Co. was, it seems, formed in the 1830s and was most known for its electroplating but also made fine objects in silver...such as these fish knives and forks inspired by the thirst for Japanese art and aesthetics that the forced reopening of trade with the western world in 1858 and the subsequent international exhibitions in London 1862 and Paris in 1867 had ignited. The fashion for 'Japonisme' infiltrated many sectors of the fine and decorative art world and had a long-lasting influence (like our 1920s 'prunus blossom' bracelet for example). Each knife and fork is different, engraved to both sides, and the level of detail is frankly astounding, every time I look at them I see something new, a little character hidden in a design, a new little flourish to a pattern...they are the finest of their type that we have ever come across and a real chef d'oeuvre. (There is a salver of Japonisme inspiration from 1879 in the MET museum).
