Omar Ramsden Silver Mazer Bowl, 1929

In mediaeval times, a mazer was a hardwood drinking bowl usually made from maple and the form was reproduced by arts and crafts silversmiths in the early 20th century as a decorative bowl with silver mounts. Omar Ramsden was a particularly proficient producer of these vessels and this is a very fine example of the type.

With a diameter of 7.7", this is a good-sized mazer that could be used as a fruit bowl. The top rim and foot are mounted in silver and the finesse of the work is typical of the top quality one would expect from Ramsden. This really is a stunning piece!

Maple is a beautiful wood with a lovely colour and smooth texture making it ideal to use for decorative bowls. When making a mazer, the wood is turned and comes under stress so that fissures often appear on the surface - the wood on this piece has some minor stress fractures (see photo showing the inside) but none are see-through cracks and overall they add to the character and patina of the bowl and show as fine lines on the surface.

The overall condition of this mazer is excellent with each silver section being fully hallmarked and the underside bearing the "Omar Ramsden Me Fecit" statement.