Whiting Antique Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Mixed Metals Bowl, New York City or Attleboro, MA, c. 1875

This low bowl is a beautiful shape and wonderful design by Whiting.

It is ornamented with various appliques of silver and copper. Applied bands of bound reeds define and strengthen the rims of the top and bottom edges of the bowl. A third band is added almost 1/4 up from the base which is where the interior attaches to the side. Engraved on the interior is the name 'BLOSSOM'.

The exterior is an exceptional trompe l'oeil design of woven bamboo. It is beautifully textured and creates a stunning backdrop for the applied silver decoration.

There are three separate scenes of applied silver and mixed metal. A simple scene of a tiny branch hanging down from the top rim with blossoming (cherry?) flowers also has one silver and one copper leaf.

Another scene features exotic flora with a one large leaf and three flower buds executed in copper.

The third scene is much larger than the others and features two large peonies in bloom. The stems are realistically portrayed with one of the stems applied to look as if it is growing behind the mid-horizontal band. In this scene, two buds and one of the leaves are made from copper.

This rare bowl is marked underneath with Whiting's trademark and 'STERLING/ '793/ A'. It measures 8 inches in diameter by 2.5 inches high, weighs 14.15 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition with some wear and nicks to the interior while the exterior is very crisp.