This is an exceptionally ornate solid (unweighted) sterling silver tazza, crafted by Howard & Company, a prestigious New York firm known for luxury silverware of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The piece measures approximately 10 inches in diameter and 5 inches in height.
Design & Aesthetic Features
Rococo Revival Style:
The tazza exhibits a lavish Rococo-inspired design, characterized by exuberant scrollwork, flowing curves, and deeply chased foliate motifs. The ornamentation is highly detailed, giving the piece a sense of movement and richness.
Scalloped & Fluted Rim:
The wide, flat rim is elegantly scalloped, undulating around the circumference. Between the scallops, the rim is fluted, producing alternating ridges and hollows that catch the light beautifully. Pierced sections within the rim incorporate openwork scrolls and leaves, adding depth and delicacy.
Chased & Repoussé Decoration:
The surface features extensive hand-chased detailing, with repoussée floral and acanthus patterns covering the rim and base. The repoussé work is deep and crisp, contributing to the dramatic three-dimensional appearance.
Highly Polished Bowl Center:
The center of the tazza is left smooth and mirror-polished, creating a striking contrast with the ornate outer decoration. The smooth well is slightly concave, designed to display fruit, confectionery, or decorative items.
Base & Support
The wide pedestal base mirrors the decorative motifs of the rim, with pierced scrolling elements and raised foliate designs.
The base is hollow but not weighted—a notable indication of quality, as unweighted silver pieces rely on craftsmanship rather than filler for structure.
The elaborate openwork continues around the pedestal, emphasizing lightness despite the substantial appearance.
Craftsmanship
The depth of the chasing, the consistency of the repoussé work, and the balanced symmetry throughout the piece illustrate skilled silversmithing typical of Howard & Company’s high-end output.
The tazza reflects meticulous handwork—each flourish and scroll is sharply defined, with no repetition that suggests machine stamping.
Creator:
Howard & Co., New York (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Diameter: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
CIRCA 1890'S
Condition:
Excellent
This is an exceptionally ornate solid (unweighted) sterling silver tazza, crafted by Howard & Company, a prestigious New York firm known for luxury silverware of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The piece measures approximately 10 inches in diameter and 5 inches in height.
Design & Aesthetic Features
Rococo Revival Style:
The tazza exhibits a lavish Rococo-inspired design, characterized by exuberant scrollwork, flowing curves, and deeply chased foliate motifs. The ornamentation is highly detailed, giving the piece a sense of movement and richness.
Scalloped & Fluted Rim:
The wide, flat rim is elegantly scalloped, undulating around the circumference. Between the scallops, the rim is fluted, producing alternating ridges and hollows that catch the light beautifully. Pierced sections within the rim incorporate openwork scrolls and leaves, adding depth and delicacy.
Chased & Repoussé Decoration:
The surface features extensive hand-chased detailing, with repoussée floral and acanthus patterns covering the rim and base. The repoussé work is deep and crisp, contributing to the dramatic three-dimensional appearance.
Highly Polished Bowl Center:
The center of the tazza is left smooth and mirror-polished, creating a striking contrast with the ornate outer decoration. The smooth well is slightly concave, designed to display fruit, confectionery, or decorative items.
Base & Support
The wide pedestal base mirrors the decorative motifs of the rim, with pierced scrolling elements and raised foliate designs.
The base is hollow but not weighted—a notable indication of quality, as unweighted silver pieces rely on craftsmanship rather than filler for structure.
The elaborate openwork continues around the pedestal, emphasizing lightness despite the substantial appearance.
Craftsmanship
The depth of the chasing, the consistency of the repoussé work, and the balanced symmetry throughout the piece illustrate skilled silversmithing typical of Howard & Company’s high-end output.
The tazza reflects meticulous handwork—each flourish and scroll is sharply defined, with no repetition that suggests machine stamping.
Creator:
Howard & Co., New York (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Diameter: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
CIRCA 1890'S
Condition:
Excellent
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