Title
Silver Tea Service
Object Type
Creator
Date
c. 1845
Description
A silver tea service chased with an overall repousse floral pattern in relief. The tea caddy is in the shape of a ginger jar and the covered pieces have flowers for knobs. The initials “ELR” (Miss Ella Louisa Rives, m. David King Jr. in 1875) are engraved on all the pieces except the bell, which is dated “1842, Kirk & Son, Baltimore, MD.”
Kirk introduced to America the repousse treatment for silverware, referring to a relief pattern which is beaten or pressed up from the reverse side. Kirk's technique was probably inspired by East India silversmiths, but his design patterns were uniquely his own.
Kirk introduced to America the repousse treatment for silverware, referring to a relief pattern which is beaten or pressed up from the reverse side. Kirk's technique was probably inspired by East India silversmiths, but his design patterns were uniquely his own.
Cultural Origin
American
Medium
Sterling silver repousse
Extent
.1a-e= kettle-on-stand 11 1/2", 8"
.2= teapot 5 1/2", 4 1/2"
.3= coffee pot 8", 4" (not pictured)
.4a-b= sugarbowl 4 1/2", 3 3/4"
.5= cream pitcher 3 1/2", 3 1/4"
.6= slop basin 2 1/2", 4 3/4"
.7= bell 4 3/8", 2 1/4"
.2= teapot 5 1/2", 4 1/2"
.3= coffee pot 8", 4" (not pictured)
.4a-b= sugarbowl 4 1/2", 3 3/4"
.5= cream pitcher 3 1/2", 3 1/4"
.6= slop basin 2 1/2", 4 3/4"
.7= bell 4 3/8", 2 1/4"
Collection
Source
Gift of the Estate of Mrs. Gwendolen E. Rives.
Identifier
PSNC.6052.1a-e - .7
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.