Classical Scenes Ewer, 1878

This outstanding silver wine ewer is engraved with a Classical scene the central figure probably being Dionysus the Greek God of Wine draped in garlands and attended to by satyrs (half man half goat) and maenads (female followers of Dionysus) - in Roman mythology this would have been the God Bacchus with fauns and Bacchantes. The scene is reminiscent of that found on the famous Portland Vase and has been expertly engraved with some incredible detail.

The vase-shaped wine or water pitcher has a clever self-opening, hinged tipping lid and insulators to the silver handle that enables it to be used for hot drinks as well as cold. To both sides of the upper body, there is an engraved script monogram within a garter (suggesting a knighted owner) and surmounted by a cockatrice crest. This is a fabulous quality piece of practical artwork!