This magnificent antique Victorian sterling silver centrepiece / Jardinière has an oval rounded form onto four Regency style feet.
The lower portion of the rounded body is encircled with fine chased fluted ornamentation accented with a matte textured paralleling border, above a collet band of scroll and oval decoration.
The upper portion of the body is encircled with an exceptional chased leaf decorated border.
The shaped raised border of the bowl is embellished with panels of engraved and wrigglework scrolling leaf ornamentation.
The ornamentation to the body is further embellished with an exceptional cast and applied floral festoon, articulating from ring loop attachments.
Either side of the body features a large, cast silver scrolling shield shaped cartouche, each conjoined over the aforementioned festoons.
The shaped rim of the centrepiece is encompassed with a paralleling applied moulded border accented with an exceptional cast leaf bordered figural mask to either side.
This exceptional example of antique silverware is fitted with two cast and applied handles, each fashioned in the form of lion's masks grasping a drop-ring handle accented with a circular knop to the nadir.
This Victorian silver centrepiece is supported by four exceptional, cast sterling silver paw style feet accented with scrolling leaf and bead ornamentation in junction with the collet style lower portion.
The underside of the base bears the retailer's mark 'Whytock & Sons, Silversmiths, Dundee'.
This magnificent centrepiece bowl is fitted to the original, large and impressive painted wood plinth.
The interior retains the original partial gilding.
By virtue of its size, this versatile vessel could accommodate a multitude of champagne bottles and be used as a cooler in addition to an imposing presentation centrepiece bowl or jardiniere.
Read a brief history of antique silver centrepieces
