Skip Navigation

Fish Server

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
MEDIUM Silver-plate
DATES ca. 1885
DIMENSIONS 11 1/4 x 2 5/8 x 2 1/2 in. (28.6 x 6.7 x 6.4 cm)
MARKINGS backstamp reads: "PAT.JUNE 79" and "NICKEL SILVER".
SIGNATURE Unsigned
INSCRIPTIONS no inscriptions
ACCESSION NUMBER 88.156.3
CREDIT LINE Gift of Robert Tuggle
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Slice consists of a flat metal blade, which flares out on one side, tapers inward and terminates to a point at top center. The opposite edge has three variously shaped scallops. Top surface of blade is stamp decorated with an allover design, consisting of an S-scrolled vine and foliate decoration. Base of handle is narrow and widens gradually; terminating at top with a semi-circular projection. The decoration begins at top projection with three varying sunflowers and a bent fern motif at bottom, left corner. Below this is a tri-banded border that frames five four-petal flowers; each connected to one another by a line and dot motif (stem) that is flanked on either side by a leaf. Below this is a trapezoidal division containing (at top right) a branch with three stylized florets and a long-tailed exotic bird perched and facing inward; opposite (in left corner) is a semi-circular sunburst framed below by three evenly-spaced tulip motives; the center is flanked by a line and dot motive. At the bottom edge is a staggered branch decoration, consisting of four large sprigs, each terminating with an abstract, tri-petal tulip. Below is a diagonal band containing a zigzag pattern. The reverse of the slice is decorated with a stamped anthemia motif at handle top. Lyonaise Pattern. CONDITION: Fair; blade bottom has several scratches; the end of blade is distorted and bent slightly out of shape.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
RECORD COMPLETENESS
Not every record you will find here is complete. More information is available for some works than for others, and some entries have been updated more recently. Records are frequently reviewed and revised, and we welcome any additional information you might have.