The outer cage is crafted from high-quality sterling silver with an intricate reticulated (pierced or openwork) design that allows the vibrant red glass to shine through. The openwork pattern is rich in detail, featuring a central fleur-de-lis motif framed by swirling scrollwork and stylized botanical elements. The silver has developed a lovely patina consistent with its age.
The basket rests on a flared, circular pedestal base. This base is substantial and highly decorative, featuring complementary pierced geometric and foliate designs that connect the main body of the basket to the resting surface.
A graceful, semi-circular swing handle is attached to the rim. It is designed to fold down and rest against the rim for easy storage or display, but can be fully raised for carrying. The rich, saturated color of the piece comes from its deep ruby red glass liner. This liner is removable, a practical design feature intended for easy cleaning of both the glass and the delicate silverwork.
A highly unusual and striking detail is the thick, solid piece of matching red glass that forms the base of the basket itself, beneath the main liner. This second piece of glass provides a sturdy, colored foundation that enhances the luxurious appearance and ensures the deep red hue is visible even when the basket is viewed from above or below. This type of luxury object, often referred to as a sweetmeat basket, or sugar basket, was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It would have been used for serving candied fruit, sugar lumps, or small confections at formal gatherings. The combination of the precious sterling silver and the dramatic ruby glass places this piece firmly within the Victorian or Edwardian aesthetic, emphasizing opulence and fine craftsmanship.
Dimensions:
Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)
Diameter: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1880-1889
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880's
Condition:
Excellent
The outer cage is crafted from high-quality sterling silver with an intricate reticulated (pierced or openwork) design that allows the vibrant red glass to shine through. The openwork pattern is rich in detail, featuring a central fleur-de-lis motif framed by swirling scrollwork and stylized botanical elements. The silver has developed a lovely patina consistent with its age.
The basket rests on a flared, circular pedestal base. This base is substantial and highly decorative, featuring complementary pierced geometric and foliate designs that connect the main body of the basket to the resting surface.
A graceful, semi-circular swing handle is attached to the rim. It is designed to fold down and rest against the rim for easy storage or display, but can be fully raised for carrying. The rich, saturated color of the piece comes from its deep ruby red glass liner. This liner is removable, a practical design feature intended for easy cleaning of both the glass and the delicate silverwork.
A highly unusual and striking detail is the thick, solid piece of matching red glass that forms the base of the basket itself, beneath the main liner. This second piece of glass provides a sturdy, colored foundation that enhances the luxurious appearance and ensures the deep red hue is visible even when the basket is viewed from above or below. This type of luxury object, often referred to as a sweetmeat basket, or sugar basket, was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It would have been used for serving candied fruit, sugar lumps, or small confections at formal gatherings. The combination of the precious sterling silver and the dramatic ruby glass places this piece firmly within the Victorian or Edwardian aesthetic, emphasizing opulence and fine craftsmanship.
Dimensions:
Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)
Diameter: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1880-1889
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880's
Condition:
Excellent
