Gold Boxes, Silver and Ceramics
Gold Boxes, Silver and Ceramics
A three-coloured gold and enamel scent bottle, Olof Ekman, Stockholm, 1770,
Auction Closed
November 10, 04:38 PM GMT
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A three-coloured gold and enamel scent bottle, Olof Ekman, Stockholm, 1770,
of flattened amphora form with swirling spread foot, each side set with an oval translucent scarlet enamel plaque applied with a chased gold musical or hunting trophy within white enamel pellet borders, crowned by a ribboned plume ornament, the polished ground further decorated with chased swags and husk garlands, maker’s mark, fully hallmarked for 18ct gold,
7.5cm., 3 in. high
Sten Westerberg Collection, Beatelund;
Sale, Bukowskis Stockholm, spring 1983
Sale, Bukowskis Stockholm, spring 1983
Kersti Holmquist, Svenskt silversmide, Stockholm, 1995, vol III, pl. 258
Olof Ekman became master in Stockholm on 2 February 1774, presenting as his masterpiece ‘a gold box with enamelled figures and miniature painting’ (Gustaf Upmark, Guld- och Silversmeder i Sverige 1520-1850, Stockholm, 1925, p. 148). He seems to have specialised in Galanteriewaren, as he is recorded as making snuff boxes, scent bottles, watch cases and orders. Little of his marked work seems to have survived, but a gold and ivory box of 1776 is recorded in the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm, and a few examples of his work remain in private hands. He died at the age of 69 in 1805 (Erik Andrén et al, ‘Svenkst Silversmide 1520-1850, Stockholm, 1964, p. 129).