Early 20th Century Plique a Jour Enamel and Silver Gilt Utensils by J. Tostrup and Johan Kjaerland- Set of 3

Description

Two antique silver gilt spoons with Art Nouveau plique-à-jour enamel and wirework finials, dating 1890-1900. One spoon bears the maker's … more Two antique silver gilt spoons with Art Nouveau plique-à-jour enamel and wirework finials, dating 1890-1900. One spoon bears the maker's mark of J. Tostrup of Oslo, Norway. The spoons are accompanied by a later sterling silver olive or pickle fork bearing the maker's mark of Johan G. Kjaerland of Bergen, Norway. All three pieces feature skillfully decorated finials of translucent, brightly colored cells of enamel enclosed within scrolling wirework borders. The spoon finials each include a flower blossom in the Art Nouveau style. One spoon is further ornamented with a heart-shaped panel of enamel set into the bowl.

All in very good condition with a warm, original vermeil finish that shows a little typical wear and the tines of the fork have a few nicks/shallow scratches. The spoons are demitasse size; the larger measures 4.75 in. length and is engraved Stockholm in script on the underside of the bowl alongside an "IT" maker's mark for the J. Tostrup firm of Kristiania (Oslo) and 830 (silver fineness). The stem is stamped with a three crown mark indicating the silver was imported into Sweden. The second spoon measures 4.25 in. length and is apparently unmarked. The fork measures 4.13 in. length and is marked on the reverse 925S (sterling silver fineness) and the "JGK" maker's mark of Norwegian enamelist and goldsmith, Johan G. Kjaerland (1937–1985).

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