A large impressive Austro-Hungarian silver jardinière, stamped Berndorf, Vienna, circa 1900

the central figure in classical dress, balancing on a detachable baluster plinth, the oval shaped base applied with the arms, within a rocaille cartouche flanked by floral sprays, applied with four cherubs, on six rocaille scroll feet, the body, silver gilt liner and the central figure marked the Diana mark for Vienna from 1872 (2)

The Berndorfer Metallwarenfabrik A. Schoeller was founded in Berndorf, Austria in 1843 by Alexander von Schoeller from Vienna in cooperation with the company Frederick Krupp from Essen, Germany. The name of the company had altered several times until 1890, when Hermann's son Arthur Krupp bought out the Schoeller family and changed the company's name into Berndorfer Metallwarenfabrik Arthur Krupp. Apart from producing silverware, the company is known for the introduction and production of Alpaca. Tableware and toilet services were focused on, producing for an international and royal clientele, amongst others the Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

The arms are those of Von Bohlen and Halbach, of Baden, enobled in August 1871 and related to the Krupp family. The jardiniere is said to have been part of the inventory of Villa Hugel, the family residence in Essen, that was founded in 1864 by Alfred Krupp, brother of the founder of the Berndorfer Metallwarenfabrik, Hermann Krupp. Alfred's nickname was Canon king, referring to his monopoly in the weapon industry.

Bertha Krupp, Alfred' s granddaughter, married Gustav von Bohlen und Halbach in 1906, probably the date of this impressive and heavy jardinière. The German Emperor Wilhelm II allowed the couple to use the name Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach. They resided in Villa Hugel with their eight children. The couple embellished their palace-like home with paintings and tapestries. They had an organ built in the hall and a Jugendstil swimming pool built in the basement.