Posted 5 years ago
Sharminf
(7 items)
I can't find anything similar, so seeking your input. This beautiful ornate vase? stands 7 3/8" tall and is 2 3/4 inches wide. The opening at mouth is 1 inch in diameter and the item weighs 4.2 ounces. Besides the ornate carving, it has three triangular gold pieces inset on each side. What is the significance? There are four legs and they are attached/saudered to the item. There are no maker's marks on the outside of the item, but it appears there may be a mark inside the rim of the mouth. Looks like possibly a W and something additional, but I cannot make it out and am not sure if the photo will help. Is this a vase? An item that had a cork or stopper in the mouth? How can I differentiate sterling from silverplate if it is not marked? Where do you think it is from? Oh, so many questions! Any answers out there? Your assistance is appreciated.
What a strange looking object. The photo of the inside opening with some marks, is out of focus, so can't read I'm afraid. This is made of 'repousse' silver(?), and it may be made of Thai or Tibetan silver - I don't remember what part of the world these countries are (sigh). A place where hallmarked silver is hard to find? I don't think it is a vase, and also would not have had a cork stopper. At the bottom of the piece, on the face, there is a circle that looks as though it has a Yin Yang symbol with in it.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/market/repousse_silver?page=2
Or......it could be the centre of a flower.
Does anyone else see a pomegranate when they view this item?
My thought is that it is a decorative piece, not meant to be a vase or vessel for a liquid, and not meant to have any kind of cap.
The "crown" shape top section is so like the tip of a pomegranate.
The pomegranate bush flowers prior to setting fruit, the bushes leaves are slender and elongated.
Pomegranates were very special fruits historically; they have been found in ancient tombs and shipwrecks carrying treasured items.
The legs look like pomegranate branches with small pomegranates and leaves--all elevating a special artistic tribute to the pomegranate.
Just my humble opinion. :-D
One more thing: at the top of each leg, there is a rounded section filled in with tiny dots. I think that represents a cut-open pomegranate revealing the multitude of seeds inside.
Yawn.....good night now....