Paul Storr English Antique Sterling Silver 'Warwick Vase' Wine Cooler, London, 1821/22

Dramatic reeded handles with foliage realistically depict grapevines growing out from the sides of the body. They intertwine at their midsection and are incorporated underneath the top rim into a wonderful border of flowing vines with leaves and grapes hanging over the edge.

The body is a work of art with exceptional design, castings and details. The background is textured and a lion pelt hangs from the waist. Eight expressive bacchanalian masks display exceptional detail.

Paul Storr was the greatest silversmith of his era. As the principal silversmith of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell (who served as royal jewelers and silversmiths to their majesties George III, George IV and their extended families), Storr produced some of the most exciting, exquisite silver ever made as to which this remarkable wine cooler can attest.

The bacchic symbols of the piece: masks, grapes, pelt and artichokes, represented hospitality. Today we think of bacchanalian ritual as a bit decadent, but to the classically educated person of that period this symbolized convivial hospitality - not dissimilar to what the pineapple has come to mean today.

The body, liner and collar are all fully hallmarked with the sovereigns head, the lion passant, the 'f' year mark and the 'P.S' makers mark. The collar and liner are also marked with a '1' and the base with a '4'. This magnificent wine cooler measures 7.75 inches high by 10.5 inches across the handles, weighs 109.35 troy ounces and is in excellent condition.