Gorham 'Hizen' Pattern Antique Sterling Silver Salad/ Dessert Forks, Providence, RI c. 1880's

One of the most interesting aesthetic movement flatware designs ever created was called 'Hizen', named after an ancient Japanese province. This is a rare set of 10 salad or dessert forks in that rare pattern. The irregular, undulating handle is decorated with wavy designs and at the top a scene with fish and a bird. The larger fish and the wings of the bird are gilded. The tines are also gilt and decorated above with an acid-etched scene of a fish swimming amongst grass. The pattern is continued on the back of the handle along with marsh grasses. The blank area is engraved 'SJY'.

These lovely forks are marked on the back with Gorham's trademark along with 'STERLING'. They measure 6.75 inches long, weigh a total 12.70 troy ounces and are in very good antique condition with only light wear to the gilding.