Dominick & Haff Antique Sterling Silver Intaglio Chased Aesthetic Movement Water Pitcher, New York City, 1881

Dominick & Haff is one of our favorite companies, especially when they executed pieces in the 1880s in this unique style.

The surface to the pitcher is achieved with irregular hammer blows which create the honeycomb design. It is then brushed to give it a soft, shimmering finish.

Each side of the pitcher is a work or art. Above we see an incredible display of a lily flower in bloom with leaves on a single stem emanating from the base. It features incredibly skilled intaglio chasing to achieve deep stunning detail.

The other side features a hibiscus with stunning leaves also sprouting from a single stem from the base. This naturalistic chased decoration is so deep and exceptional that it actually folds over itself at places.

The underside is beautifully engraved 'BOWEN/ AUG. 25th/ 1856 and 1881' - so this most likely was a 25th wedding anniversary gift.

This exquisite and rare pitcher is marked under the base above the inscription with Dominick & Haff's trademark, 'STERLING/ 86'. It measures 7.5 inches across the handle by 7.75 inches tall, weighs 26.25 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.