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

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

We haven't seen this form before but recently ran into a picture in the Gorham Archives(see below). Although originally used for salad, it can be used for a variety of foods. The intricate, exotic design has two fish amongst the swirls and a crab at the bottom. The back has another fish and is engraved 'Lizzie' in its reserve.

Provenance: Private Collection.

This wonderful server is marked on the back with Gorham's trademark along with 'STERLING.' It measures just under 9.25 inches long, weighs 3.45 troy ounces, and is in very good antique condition with some wear to the gilding.

Image courtesy of the Gorham Archives, John Hay Library, Brown University.