This exceptional antique George V sterling silver mounted coconut bowl* has a plain rounded form.
This antique bowl retains the original sterling silver mount securing the natural vessel.
The silver rim to the upper portion of this antique bowl is encircled with an applied undulating border accented with Arts and Crafts style foliate designs, in addition to a band of rope twist decoration to the apex.
The interior of the bowl bears a silver lining, ornamented with a planished finish.
This antique bowl is supported by three ball style feet, each ornamented with further Arts and Crafts style leaf decoration reflecting the design to the border.
This exceptional bowl was crafted by the renowned and collectable silversmith Henry George Murphy**.
NOTE: * Coconut cups/bowls were popular in the late 15th and early 16th centuries as it was believed that the shell of the coconut would act as a natural defence against poison. The shells shape and scarcity of the commodity enabled the wealthy to mount the shells in precious metals to allow them to be used as respectable and highly treasured drinking vessels.
** Henry George Murphy (otherwise known as H. G. Murphy) entered the Central School of Arts and Crafts at the age of 14, in 1899. In 1912, after a short employment in Berlin, he opened his own London based workshop. During World War I Murphy enlisted in the Royal Navy Air Service, returning safely to Weymouth Street, London to open a workshop and retail outlet. Murphy's path led him to return to Central School, teaching students in goldsmithing and enamelling; he later became the first head of silversmithing and later the principal of the school.
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Maker: Henry George Murphy
