Rare Victorian Solid Silver Ewer/Jug "Oinochoe" Shaped - Goldsmiths Alliance Ltd (Samuel Smily) 1875

Description and Details 

This rare and unique Victorian solid silver ewer was made by silversmith Samuel Smily (Goldsmiths Alliance Ltd) in London, 1875.

Needless to say, its form and aesthetic proportions are distinctive and features similar proportions to those of an "Oinochoe" jug - a form of ancient Greek pottery (wine jug). 

Externally, the body has been fully embellished with an array of beautiful hand-engraved lines, palmette and scrolled foliate motifs. The aesthetic proportions feature a thin and long neck which terminates to a widened body and a flared spout.

The handle of this ewer is equally captivating with a swan-neck shaped arch and an intricate cast-silver serpent which is coiled around the terminal of the handle.

Interior wise, the ewer is gilt and remains in excellent condition with no leaks or issues - ideal for practical usage. 

Attention to detail and aesthetic design is evermore apparent upon handling the item in hand and by taking a moment to appreciate its seamless and smooth curvatures that have been meticulously crafted. 

The ewer is fully hallmarked clearly on the neck.

For those looking to add a unique and aesthetically tasteful piece of English Victorian silverware, this ewer present a great opportunity for display and/or for practical modern-day usage. 

Size