Important American Silver - JAPANESE REVIVAL SILVER

Ken Keeley, JAPANESE REVIVAL SILVER, 1988 - OIL OVER ACRYLIC ON CANVAS, 45 x 60 inches 

American Japonisme Silver

Following the Civil War, the country’s economy burgeoned as well, increasing the demand for elaborate dining, drinking, and personal silver. It was a period of rampant eclecticism, reflected by styles such as Naturalism, Japonisme, Renaissance Revival, Beaux-Arts, and Viking Revival.

The Japanese influence on nineteenth-century decorative arts has been the object of widespread study.

Silver of the Aesthetic movement was greatly influenced by Japanese fine and decorative arts, particularly mixed-metal objects. Gorham Manufacturing Company was the first of the American silver manufactories to produce mixed-metal wares. This vase, with its textured surface, Japanese-inspired copper medallions, and applied asymmetrical figural decoration, epitomizes Anglo-Japanesque metalwork at its finest.

Gorham Co, Japonism, Pitcher

Gorham Co., 1871, Centerpiece Length- 11 in

Gorham ivory & mixed metal

Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, RI, c.1883 Silver mounted lacquered Turkish coffee pot

Gorham Co., mixed metal

Gorham Co., mixed metal

In the 1870's through the 1880's, America became fascinated with the ancient culture of Japan and its emphasis on flora and bird forms. Edward C. Moore, the chief designer for Tiffany & Co., became the primary force in bringing Americanized Japanese designs to the upscale silver market in the United States and eventually Europe. This very influential designer produced dozens of unique and unusual designs which are still regarded with awe.

John C. Moore for Tifffany & Co., New York 1865-1870 H- 9in

Tiffany, mixed metal bud vase

Tiffany, mixed metal tray and tee set

Tiffany, mixed metal tray

Tiffany & Co., mixed metal H-7 in 

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Water Pitcher c. 1877. h-7 1/3 inches. Tiffany & Co. 3387 Sterling M 1695. 4 1/2 pints

Tiffany & Co. STERLING. 8.875" high

Whiting silver in Japanese style

After the move to New York, Whiting tapped into the developing taste for Japanese-inspired motifs among urban Americans, who, increasingly cut off from the natural world, were mesmerized by the vision of nature found in Japanese art and design and clamored for objects that evoked it. The sources for Whiting’s Japanese-inspired designs were complex and diverse. In addition to Japanese art and objects, designers used European prints, photographs, and sketches of fruit and ferns, and scientific illustrations of fish and seaweed as the basis for their designs. The most original of Whiting’s designs were water pitchers and bowls encrusted with seashells  

Whiting seashells bowl c. 1877

Whiting seashells bowl c. 1877

Dominick and Haff

With stunning Japanese inspired scenery against a spot-hammered background, Dominick & Haff creates this unusual and visually exciting work of art consisting of a hot water kettle on stand. The bodies decorated with wildlife and aquatic scenery. There are 2 large dragonflies in flight above pools of flowing water and exotic plants. Date: 1881.

1. Dominick & Haff, c.1880 Japonism Kettle on Stand H-12 in

1a.Dominick & Haff, c.1880 Japonism Kettle on Stand H-12 in

A rare Dominick and Haff antique sterling silver pitcher dated 1882 with Japanese influenced chasing depicting a dragon fly on one side, and bird on the other side and exotic leaves and plants throughout. The handle is hand hammered. The hammering graduates from fine at the top of the pitcher to larger faceting at the center and base. There are also additional engraved stalks in between the chasing. One large leaf has a caterpillar applied. Ht: 7 1/2″

A rare Dominick and Haff antique sterling silver pitcher dated 1882 with Japanese influenced chasing depicting a dragon fly on one side, and bird on the other side and exotic leaves and plants throughout. The handle is hand hammered. The hammering graduates from fine at the top of the pitcher to larger faceting at the center and base. There are also additional engraved stalks in between the chasing. One large leaf has a caterpillar applied. Ht: 7 1/2″

The Art of Edward Marshall Boehm

Edward Marshall Boehm

Edward Marshall Boehm (1913 – January 29, 1969) was the greatest American sculptor known for his porcelain figures of birds and other wildlife.
Boehm explained his choice of porcelain as the medium for his art as follows:

"Porcelain is a permanent creation. If properly processed and fired, its colors will never change; and it can be subjected to extreme temperatures without damage. It is a medium in which one can portray the everlasting beauty of form and color of wildlife and nature."

Boehm was accorded its highest honor in 1992 when a wing of the Vatican Museums in Rome was named in his memory. This was the first time in its 500-year history that one of the thirteen museums in the Vatican was named for an American, as the twelve other museums are named for popes and royal families.
It is important to know that only the works created between 1950 to 1969 are the  only fine art sculptures by Edward Marshall Boehm.
We consider to collect works by Edward Marshall Boehm no later then 1969 limited edition.

According to Frank J. Cosentino:

The image and likeness of God’s world is seen at once in the work of Edward Marshall Boehm… Its grandeur is in its perfection. It is a disciplined art, mastering the demands of the ancient and distinguished craft of porcelain making.

Edward Marshall Boehm was an orphan. 

After his death the company, E. M. Boehm Studios under the operation of the widow Helen Boehm ignored the copyright protection law of 1911 and continued to use the copyright (©) of Edward Marshall Boehm. The porcelain figurines were created by hired artisans. Helen Boehm hadn’t owned E. M. Boehm since 2003.

Famous Example for © Recognition:

Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), the celebrated jewelry and glass designer, was born the son of Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of Tiffany & Co. The two entities kept separate by their respective copyright. 
“(CBS) When you see real Tiffany glass for the first time, every discount store or restaurant chain knock-off tiffany lamp becomes an insult.” 

It is important to uphold the work of the greatest American porcelain sculptor Edward Marshall Boehm created by him in his lifetime. 

Edward Marshall Boehm, Percheron Mare and Foal on base, 1950glazed, decorated Black Foal-possibly unique
glazed, decorated Dapple Gray Foal-2 made9 1/2 x 14 inches.
This is the first piece of sculpture ever modeled by Edward Marshall Boehm. 

Edward Marshall Boehm, Hereford Bull, on base with presentation plaque,
1950-1959 
10 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches, glazed, decorated.
Boehm Studiomark Number 301.
Number of issue: 100 
Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. 

Edward Marshall Boehm, Percheron Stallion, Dapple Gray with Roses
with blue finish, 1951-1959
12 x 91/4 inches, glazed, decoratedBoehm Studiomark Number 201.
Number of issue: 5
Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY.

Edward Marshall Boehm, Canvasback Ducks, on Cattails (pr.), 1951-1958
4 inches, glazed, decorated found with makers mark D
Decorated bisque has been found with makers mark F
Boehm Studiomark Number 401Number of issue: 126

Edward Marshall Boehm, Song Sparrows With Tulips, (pr.) 1956-1960
17 x 9 inches, bisque, decorated.
Boehm Studiomark number 421.
Number of issue: 50

Edward Marshall Boehm, Goldfinches, 1961-1966
11 1/2 x 5 inches, bisque, decorated
Boehm Studiomark number 457Number of issue: 500

Edward Marshall Boehm, Sugarbirds, 1961-1966
25 1/2 x 11 inches, bisque, decorated
Boehm Studiomark number 460
Number of issue: 100 

Edward Marshall Boehm, Robin with Daffodil, 1964-1966
13 x 8 inches, bisque, decorated.
Boehm Studiomark Number: 472
Number of issue: 500
Presented to Queen Elizabeth II of England
Presented to Pope Paul VI by President Nixon

Edward Marshall Boehm, Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers, 1964-1966
Hight: 54 inches, bisque, decorated.
Boehm Studiomark Number 480
Number of issue: 4 

Edward Marshall Boehm, Parula Warblers, 1965-1973
14 1/2 x 9 x 7 3/4 inches, bisque, decorated.
Boehm Studiomark Number: 484
Number of issue: 400

Edward Marshall Boehm, Crested Flycatcher on Sweet Gum, 1967-1974
18 1/2 x 14 x 11 inches, bisque, decorated.
Boehm Studiomark number 488
Number of issue: 500

Edward Marshall Boehm, Hooded Mergansers, (pr.) 1968
Female: 10 1/2 x 6 3/4 x 7 inches
Male: 10 1/2 x 11 x 12 inches, bisque, decorated.
Boehm Studiomark number 496
Number in issue: 500 

Edward Marshall Boehm, Common Tern, 1968-1974
16 x 12 x 14 inches, bisque, decorated.
Boehm Studiomark number 497
Number in issue: 500

Edward Marshall Boehm, Young American Bald Eagle, 1969-1974
9 1/2 x 6 inches, bisque, decorated. 
It was designed for the incoming President.
Boehm Studiomark number 498
Number in issue: 850

Edward Marshall Boehm, Western Bluebird with Wild Azaleas, 1969
17 1/2 x 20 x 10 inches, bisque, decorated.
Boehm Studiomark number 400-01
Number in issue: 400