Items Similar to Rare 13" Java Indonesia 800 Silver & Mother-of-Pearl Butterfly Caviar Dish c1930

Mid century silver plate large shell dish with hinge

Vintage Silver Dipped Shell Caviar Dish, Buccellati Style, 1990s

Mother of Pearl Spoon Caviar Victorian

Collection of Antique Mother of Pearl Caviar Serving Pieces

Antique Victorian Mother of Pearl & Silver-Plated Salt Cellar, circa 1900

Seashell shell Table Sculpture, Partially Silver Dipped, 1990s

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 21

Rare 13" Java Indonesia 800 Silver & Mother-of-Pearl Butterfly Caviar Dish c1930

$3,479.65

£2,500

€2,975.49

CA$4,790.33

A$4,872.77

CHF 2,782.42

MX$58,938.86

NOK 32,444.51

SEK 32,941.62

DKK 22,244

About the Item

A highly unusual and beautifully crafted antique Indonesian silver and mother-of-pearl serving dish, dating to approximately the 1930s. Originating from Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia, this remarkable piece takes the form of a large butterfly, combining substantial 800 standard solid silver with two impressive mother-of-pearl shell wings. The butterfly has been superbly modelled, with a substantial silver body featuring stippled and incised decoration, raised bands and a distinctive bamboo-form handle. The head is finely detailed with large eyes and stylised features, while the two coiled silver antennae terminate in small rounded spheres. The most striking feature is undoubtedly the enormous natural mother-of-pearl wings. Each shell has an attractive rounded and scalloped outline, enhanced by incised and raised decoration. The natural iridescence of the nacre produces beautiful colours as the piece catches the light. The underside bears an 800 silver mark. This is solid 800 standard silver and is not silver plate. The combination of silver and mother-of-pearl, together with the unusual butterfly form, makes this a particularly fascinating novelty serving piece. The design is strongly reminiscent of Chinese Export Silver and pieces associated with makers such as Kwan Wo and Wang Hing. However, I would describe this example as Chinese-style Indonesian silver rather than definitively attributing it to one of those Chinese makers without further hallmark or provenance evidence. The original intended use may have been as a sweetmeat, bonbon or delicacy server, while its form and shell construction would also make it particularly suitable as a caviar dish. Today, it would make an exceptional decorative centrepiece for a dining table, drinks cabinet or collector's display. I have included photographs at the end of the listing showing comparable examples sold elsewhere for comparison. One of the illustrated examples is missing its antennae. KEY FEATURES: Large butterfly-form serving dish 800 standard solid silver Two substantial natural mother-of-pearl shell wings Detailed cast and stippled silver body Bamboo-form handle Coiled silver antennae Chinese Export Silver-inspired design Attributed to Indonesian manufacture, Yogyakarta, Java Ideal as a caviar, sweetmeat or decorative serving dish MEASUREMENTS: Length: 14" Width: 11" Height: 3.5" MATERIALS: 800 standard solid silver and natural mother-of-pearl shell. CONDITION: Good antique condition overall, with no significant damage. There are age-related marks and light surface wear consistent with its age. One of the mother-of-pearl shells has some natural pitting to the reverse, as shown in the photographs. The silver retains its original character and detailing. Please examine all photographs carefully. RESEARCH NOTES: Chinese Export Silver Context The design bears a strong resemblance to unusual Chinese Export Silver novelty pieces produced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kwan Wo was a prominent Chinese retail silversmith active from approximately 1875 to 1940, with operations associated with Canton and Hong Kong. The firm was known for producing a wide variety of silver objects and experimenting with forms and decorative styles. Similar Chinese Export Silver pieces are also known incorporating natural mother-of-pearl shells, particularly in novelty serving dishes and small decorative objects. Wang Hing & Co. of Hong Kong was another important producer of Chinese Export Silver and is well known for incorporating mother-of-pearl and other decorative materials into its work. The present piece, however, is marked 800 and is described here as originating from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Its Chinese-style design may therefore reflect the movement and exchange of decorative influences throughout Southeast Asia rather than necessarily indicating Chinese manufacture. Mother-of-Pearl Mother-of-pearl, or nacre, is the iridescent inner layer of certain mollusc shells. Its natural colour variation and luminous surface made it a highly desirable material for luxury decorative objects and serving pieces. A spectacular and highly unusual piece combining Indonesian craftsmanship, Chinese decorative influence, solid 800 silver and natural mother-of-pearl. An excellent choice for collectors of Asian silver, unusual antique serving pieces and exotic decorative arts. We ship tracked, worldwide.

Dimensions:
Height: 1.38 in (3.5 cm)Width: 5.52 in (14 cm)Depth: 4.34 in (11 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Mother-of-Pearl,Silver
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
ca.1930s
Condition:
Seller Location:
Nottingham, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU9003251350142

More From This Seller

View All

Daum Nancy Pâte de Verre Butterfly on Rose Leaf Art Glass Paperweight, Signed

Located in Nottingham, GB

A beautifully crafted Daum France pâte de verre art glass sculpture, depicting a delicate butterfly resting upon a rose leaf. Dating to approximately 1960–1980, this charming piece c...

Category

Late 20th Century Paperweights

Materials

pate de verre

Large Murano Ferro Opalescent & Iridescent Glass Centrepiece Bowl, 18 in

Located in Nottingham, GB

A spectacular large Murano art glass centrepiece bowl by Fornace Ferro, featuring a sophisticated combination of opalescent ivory glass, turquoise-blue veining and luminous iridescen...

Category

Mid-20th Century Centerpieces

Materials

Blown Glass

19th century silver-plated repoussé continental heraldic charger

Located in Nottingham, GB

This late 19th-century continental wall plaque is executed in silver-plated repoussé over a copper alloy base, with finely chased detailing throughout. The central composition featur...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver Plate

Murano Ferro Iridescent Opalescent Pearl Swirl Glass Bowl Centrepiece 3.2kg

Located in Nottingham, GB

A Magnificent Large Murano Ferro Centrepiece This exceptionally large and highly decorative Murano glass centrepiece is a striking example of Venetian blown glass craftsmanship. Wit...

Category

Mid-20th Century Centerpieces

Materials

Blown Glass

Six Salviati Murano Zanfirico Iridescent Glass Dessert Plates, c. Early 20th C

Located in Nottingham, GB

A rare and exceptionally beautiful set of six Salviati Murano glass dessert plates, each measuring approximately 16 cm (6¼ inches) in diameter. Characterised by their richly iridesce...

Category

Early 20th Century Glass

Materials

Glass

Vintage Italian Tre Art Majolica Clam Shell Lobster Seafood Centrepiece 19"

Located in Nottingham, GB

A spectacular large-scale Italian majolica seafood centrepiece by Tre Art, Treviso, dating to the mid-20th century. Measuring an impressive 19 inches across, the piece is modelled a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Sterling Silver and Mother of Pearl Ecclesiastical Dish or Paten

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Elizabeth II English sterling silver and mother of pearl ecclesiastical dish or paten, an addition to our religious silverware collection. This vintage Elizabeth II mother of pearl and sterling silver dish / paten has a shell-shaped form. The exceptional plain rounded mother of pearl body of the dish is fitted with a fine and impressive hallmarked sterling silver mount. The silver handpiece has a cross pattée shaped form with undulating terminals; this reflects the style of a cross patoncé. The surface of the handpiece of this vintage dish is plain and unembellished, apart from the feature hallmarks to the reverse. Condition This vintage mother of pearl dish...

Category

Vintage 1970s British Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Napkin Holder Decorative Butterfly Silver Plated Table Ware

Located in Wembley, GB

Antique Butterfly Napkin Holder Decorative Silver-Plated Tableware A charming and highly decorative vintage butterfly-themed table accessory set comprising an elegant butterfly napki...

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Other, Silver Leaf

Mother of Pearl Ashtray or Jewelry Catchall with Dolphin Design

Located in New York, NY

A white mother of pearl ashtray with dolphin sculpture, circa early-20th century. Piece is polished mother-of-pearl with a dolphin sculpture/statue and t...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Ashtrays

Materials

Bronze

Antique Victorian Mother of Pearl & Silver-Plated Salt Cellar, circa 1900

Located in Honolulu, HI

An exquisite turn-of-the-century British antique individual salt cellar or caviar dish, circa 1900. Crafted from a single piece of natural mother-of-pearl shell, this delicate dish d...

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Late Victorian Serving Bowls

Materials

Silver Plate

1920s Silver-Plated Venetian Butterfly Wings Coat Hanger

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

1920s Silver-Plated Venetian Butterfly Wings Coat Hanger 1920s silver-plated butterfly wings picture under glass as a coat hanger back plate with a venetian scene on the hook A very...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique silver-plated scallop shell serving dish made in USA

Located in Birmingham, AL

This vintage silver-plated scallop shell serving dish features a deeply fluted, reflective basin framed by an exceptionally detailed Rococo style handle.Basin and EdgeRadial Fluting:...

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Dinner Plates

Materials

Silver Plate

Rare 13" Java Indonesia 800 Silver & Mother-of-Pearl Butterfly Caviar Dish c1930

About the Item

More From This Seller

Late 20th Century Paperweights

Mid-20th Century Centerpieces

Antique Late 19th Century Sterling Silver

Mid-20th Century Centerpieces

Early 20th Century Glass

Mid-20th Century Centerpieces

You May Also Like

Vintage 1970s British Sterling Silver

Antique Early 1900s British Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

Early 20th Century Unknown Ashtrays

Antique Early 1900s British Late Victorian Serving Bowls

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Coat Racks and Stands

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Dinner Plates