Antique J. Tostrup Plique a Jour Enamel Sterling Silver Gilt Spoon

Description

An antique Norwegian plique-à-jour (window pane) enamel gilded sterling silver spoon from the J. Tostrup firm of Kristiania (Oslo), dating … more An antique Norwegian plique-à-jour (window pane) enamel gilded sterling silver spoon from the J. Tostrup firm of Kristiania (Oslo), dating circa 1890-1900.

The silver gilt stem is skillfully decorated at either end with cells of translucent polychrome enamel within scrolling wirework borders accented with gilt beads. Very good condition with a warm, original vermeil finish, measuring 4.88 in. length. JT maker's mark and 925 (silver fineness) impressed under the bowl.

The plique-à-jour technique allows light to shine through translucent enamels creating a stained glass effect. These elegant vermeil designs featuring bright, vivid enamelwork were crafted at the close of the 19th century and often purchased by travelers as mementos and souvenirs of a Grand Tour or a visit to a World's Fair exhibition.

J. Tostrup is a Norwegian metalsmithing firm founded by Jacob Ulrich Holfeldt Tostrup (1806–1890) in Olso during the early 1830s. Tostrup was a highly regarded goldsmith, jeweler, and silversmith and together with his son, developed specialties in silver filagree jewelry, champlevé, and plique-à-jour enameling. less