Liberty & Co.

pewter and glass, the shaped circular base cast with twelve panels depicting fish beneath six tapering square columns pierced with leaves and berries, the blown glass bowl of double ogee form

As an unmarked example of Liberty metalwork, it is probably that this piece was a special commision produced by the firm.  No known other example has appeared at auction.   It is exceptionally rare, not only in its size, but also in the skill taken to produce the blown glass liner which is original.

Knox first used stylised foliate columns in circa 1902 in his twin branch Tudric candelabra, Model No. 0530, (see: Stephen A. Martin, Archibald Knox, London, 2001, p.217.) and again in the  three light example (see: A. Tilbrook, The Designs of Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co., London, 1976, p.103, pl.80.) The overall form of this piece is reminiscent of the much smaller Tudric pewter and Clutha glass coupe by Knox, Model No. 0276, illustrated in Martin (op.cit.) p.15. The presence of the fish panels suggests the piece may have been intended for use as a fish bowl but given its size it is suited to a range of display uses.