- 848
A large Norwegian silver-gilt and plique-à-jour enamel boat, Marius Hammer, Bergen, circa 1900
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- A large Norwegian silver-gilt and plique-à-jour enamel boat, Marius Hammer, Bergen, circa 1900
- enamel, silver-gilt
- 36.2cm., 14 1/4 in. wide
in the form of a 'Dragestil' Viking boat, decorated with bands of ornament, flowers and leaves in many colours, maker's mark, further struck: 930S
Condition
overall good condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Plique-à-jour is a very challenging technique where the enamel is applied in cells but without a backing so the light can shine through. The technique was developed in the Byzantine Empire and then revived in the late 19th century by French Art Nouveau artists such as Rene Lalique and Eugene Feuillâtre, and also in Russia and Scandinavia where it became very popular, with exponents such as Marius Hammer (1847-1927), one of the most iconic Norwegian goldsmiths mastering the technique. Hammer opened his workshop in Bergen in 1871 and started producing a wide range of tableware and cutlery until specialising in modern versions of traditional Norwegian jewellery as well as plique-à-jour enamel work. From around 1885 he advertised himself as 'By Special Appointment to the Prince of Wales', listing also 'the largest collection of Norwegian antiquities in Scandinavia'. He retired in 1915 but the firm remained active until 1930 under his two sons, Torolf and Max.