Gorham Antique Sterling Silver 'Hizen' Pattern Serving Berry Spoon, Providence, RI, c. 1880

One of the most wonderful japanesque flatware designs ever created was called 'Hizen,' named after an old Japanese province.

The combination of art nouveau styling and exotic foliage is quite striking.  Rising up the handle as the design unfolds is a lovely display of foliage and flowers with the petals enhanced with slight gilding. Just as beautiful is the back of the handle with the same treatment to flowers below a hammered reserve that has never been monogrammed. The bowl is engraved with a floral scene against a gilt background.

Provenance: Private Collection.

This stunning serving spoon is marked on the back with Gorham's trademark along with 'STERLING.' It measures just under 9 inches long, weighs 3.45 troy ounces, and is in very good antique condition with some wear to the gilding.