Japanese Sterling Silver Claret Jug Pitcher Stephen Smith 1878 27 Oz For Sale

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We are quite pleased to offer this important 1878 Japanese inspired claret jug.

From the well listed Stephen Smith. First listed in 1865. Known for beautifully designed silver displaying superb finish detail

Meiji period Japanese silver was the finest the world has ever known. Much was crafted by former Samurai. Imperial decree had outlawed their warrior culture. Forcing the Samurai to channel centuries old sword making skills into breathtaking presentation and household silver.

The Meiji artisans were so highly regarded that Tiffany and select British makers went to Japan to "learn" (steal) the secrets of the Samurai.

This stunning Japanesque caret jug is just such an example.

In archaic bottle form. Derived from centuries old asian drinking vessels.

Adorned with beautifully hand carved scenes of a crane, atop one leg fishing in gentle water. Lilly pads and tall grass. Bird perched in prunus tree. Another soaring overhead. Lush Jaoanese inspire trees and foliage.

Elegant petal engraved cone finial atop prunus decorated shelf. Itself atop wider shelf form rim.

Sweeping bi-furcated double scroll handle. Elegant traingle and recessed bead to side panels. The centre with Japanese inspried leaf and florals casading downward.

Never monogrammed.

Hallmarked as shown.

This Meiji inspired Victorian sterling silver caret jug is 10 1/2 inches tall.

Exceptionally thick, heavy guage sterling silver construction it weighs 27 1/2 (standard) ounces.

In excellent condition. Rich, lustreous sterling patina throughout. The brilliantly carved fishing crane, bird and water scenes retain their original crisp, vibrant detail. Cover closes flush and handle secure. Few tiny scuffs, bearely noted.

For the discerning collector of the finest Victorian silver. Focused upon rarely seen Japanese inspired designs. An exceptional Victorian sterling siver Japanesque claret jug. Excellent condition.

Please feel free to inquire directly about this, or any item we've listed. Whether the item is alone or part of a set. We very much welcome your interest. We are collectors first. As such, we are quite easy to work with.

We happily combine items when shipping, saving you costs. We ship twice weekly, usually US Postal Priority. Fully insured for domestic packages, and air parcel overseas. We charge a bit more than actual cost for custom size boxes, shipping materials and to pay for professional packing.

We make great effort to accurately describe each item listed. Returns are accepted, if either condition, country of origin or dating is significantly incorrect. In such cases we refund your shipping costs as well. Like you, we are only human, and make mistakes. Hopefully, not too many.

Remember, the items you see are antiques. Hence, have an expected amount of wear from normal use. As such, returning an item because we failed to mention the tiniest bit of wear, or barely discernible flaw is not acceptable. Nor do we accept returns based on buyer's remorse. Nor change of taste, or because a buyer did not realize how "small" four inches might be once in hand.

Please note, Massachusetts residents are subject to sales tax.

We have over 7730 responses. And, are quite proud of our Top Seller designation.

We received favorable notice in the March 12th, 2006 New York Times. Page 8, Business Section, in a well written article on silver collecting. Copy furnished upon request.

From our personal collection, a fine mid 19th century coin silver basket by Edward & John Moore is illustrated in the cover article in May/June 2008 Silver Magazine.

Enjoy....and good fortune in your offerding.

This item has been shown 244 times. Japanese Sterling Silver Claret Jug Pitcher Stephen Smith 1878 27 Oz: $1,625