Aesop's Fables Silver Dish, 1916 by A E Jones

Inspired by Aesop's Fables, this twin handled silver bowl was made in the arts and crafts style by AE Jones.

The two flat side-handles are decorated with a fox amongst vines - the fable saying that the fox wandered amongst the vines but despite his best efforts couldn't reach the ripe, hanging grapes. Instead of admitting defeat, he declared that the grapes were sour and not worth the effort. The fable relates to people who belittle the things they cannot have.

This circular dish retains its spot hammer marks from the hand-raising process and has an attractive flowerhead and trellis banding around the rim. The condition is excellent throughout and the Birmingham hallmarks clearly legible.