Victorian Sterling Silver Cellini Pattern Ewer, James Dixon & Sons

A Victorian sterling silver Cellini pattern ewer, James Dixon & Sons Ltd, Sheffield, 1895, of baluster shape with a large covered spout and scrolling handle from rim to shoulder, repousse decoration throughout of classical designs with goats, masks, foliage, and other motifs, a small oval reserve to the front engraved with a heraldic crest of a boar above the motto 'Crom for ever', 14.96 in. high, 986g

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Heraldic Decoration - Heraldic decoration on silver, glass, and porcelain refers to the use of coats of arms and other heraldic symbols as decorative motifs on these materials. Coats of arms were traditionally used to identify individuals, families, and institutions, and were often displayed on shields, banners, and other objects.

The heraldic decoration typically takes the form of engraved or etched designs that incorporate coats of arms or other heraldic symbols. Heraldic decoration on silver, glass, and porcelain has a long history, dating back to the medieval period when coats of arms were first used. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, heraldic decoration on decorative objects became increasingly elaborate and ornate, with finely detailed designs that often incorporated intricate scrollwork, mythological figures, and other decorative motifs.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, heraldic decoration became particularly popular among the aristocracy and upper classes, who used these objects as symbols of their wealth and status.
Ewer / Pitcher - A type of jug with a narrow neck bulbous body and wide spout, originally used for carrying and storing liquids such as water or wine. In medieval times they were the source of water to wash ones hands during and after a meal. later the shape was used for vessels in silver, gold, glass and ceramics.

In Victorian times they were made in ceramics and occasionally glass with a matching basin, and sometimes other accessories such as a soap holder or toothbrush holder. Their purpose was to provide facilities for personal washing In the early 19th century were often enclosed in purpose built stands, and later resided on a washstand..

Sometimes the words "ewer" and "pitcher" are used interchangably, but a pitcher is generally considered to be a jug, and would have a wide mouth, and a gently tapering body.
Victorian Period - The Victorian period of furniture and decorative arts design covers the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. There was not one dominant style of furniture in the Victorian period. Designers used and modified many historical styles such as Gothic, Tudor, Elizabethan, English Rococo, Neoclassical and others, although use of some styles, such as English Rococo and Gothic tended to dominate the furniture manufacture of the period.

The Victorian period was preceded by the Regency and William IV periods, and followed by the Edwardian period, named for Edward VII (1841 – 1910) who was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India for the brief period from 1901 until his death in 1910.
Cellini Pattern or Style - Cellini pattern or style refers to the decoration of silverware characterized by ornate, highly detailed designs. These designs often feature figures, animals, and other decorative elements that are inspired by classical mythology and the natural world. The ewers and jugs are usually made of silver and are often decorated with intricate engraving, repoussé, and chasing.

The style is named after Benvenuto Cellini (1500-1571), a famous Italian goldsmith, sculptor and artist of the Renaissance period. Cellini's work was known for its intricate designs, which were often inspired by classical mythology and the natural world.

They are considered to be highly decorative, high-quality pieces that are appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs.

The Cellini style is considered a very high form of metalworking, it's very detail oriented and requires high skills, craftsmanship and time. It's usually found in high-end and luxury pieces and is often seen as symbol of status and wealth.
Sterling Silver - Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver, and is relatively soft and the addition of the very small amount of copper gives the metal enough strength and hardness to be worked into jewellery, decorative and household objects.
Engraving - The method of decorating or creating inscriptions on silver and other metal objects by marking the surface with a sharp instrument such as a diamond point or rotating cutting wheel.
Embossed / Repousse - Embossing, also known as repousse, is the technique of decorating metal with raised designs, by pressing or beating out the design from the reverse side of the object.It is the opposite of chasing, where the decoration is applied from the front. An embossed or repoussed object may have chasing applied to finish off the design.

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