Art Nouveau Silverplate 4-Flute Epergne by Coles & Fryer, Birmingham, England
- Regular Price
- $225.00
- Sale Price
- $225.00
- Regular Price
Sold Out
- Unit Price
- per
Ships free anywhere in the US
Item: 4-Flute Epergne
Make: Coles & Fryer (Birmingham, England)
Age: C. 1903
Construction: Electroplated Nickel Silver (Silverplate)
Dimensions: 11" Tall x 20 3/4" Long x 11 3/4" Wide
Condition: Very good antique condition. A few small dents/dings. Some wear/patina commensurate with age & use. Please see photos.
Details: Art Nouveau silverplated epergne with one large central flute and three smaller flutes. The base is a graceful organic tangle of lily stems. The central flute is held by a rolled leaf, the other three are held in calla lily-shaped receptacles. Each of the flutes is removable, featuring a flaring shape and serpentine ruffled lip. The base is further decorated with two small calla lily blooms and two additional leaves. Marked on the bottom "C & F EPNS 4730 MADE IN ENGLAND". This is the mark for Coles & Fryer who are recorded as practicing in Birmingham, England in 1903.
Originating in France in the 17th C, epergnes became popular in England in the early 18th century. They originated as a space-saving way to serve food, but evolved into a more decorative item, holding flowers, candles and sometimes sweets. While silver and silverplate are the predominant materials used for epergnes, blown or cut glass were often incorporated into the designs.