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″