Silver tea caddy with eagle finial, Olomouc, Austria-Hungary, c. 1890
Description
Medium: silver (800 standard)
Weight: 552 g; Dimensions: height (with finial) 15 cm, height (without finial) 10.2 cm, lid length 13.7 cm, base length 12.8 cm, width 10.7 cm
Hallmarks: Austro-Hungarian hallmark “A 8” (Olomouc assay office); “800” silver standard mark; maker’s mark “HS”
Provenance
Private Collection, Romania
Location
Bucharest, Romania
Share
Live Auction begins May 20, 19:00 CEST+1 (Central European Summer Time + 1) 
Favourite
Description
A rectangular tea caddy with longitudinally profiled sides and a hinged lid, the surfaces worked in hammered and engraved silver. The decoration is executed in a historicist manner with Empire and Neoclassical influences, articulated through restrained linear ornament.
The lid is surmounted by a sculptural eagle finial in ronde-bosse, a motif associated with imperial symbolism. Such caddies were often conceived as prestigious objects, given as commemorative gifts, and fitted with locks due to the high value of tea in the period.
The hallmarks indicate production within the Austro-Hungarian system, with the designation “A 8” identifying the assay office of Olomouc. The maker’s mark “HS” remains to be fully identified.
The works of art which are subject to artist resale royalty rights ('droit de suite') are marked with an * in the description of the work of art. The amount of the royalties is calculated using a sliding scale of percentages of the Hammer Price.
Lots featured on Ans Azura’s platform may be subject to export regulations in the country where they are located and import regulations in the country where they will be shipped to. The location of each Lot is marked in its description.You are responsible for ensuring that you understand and comply with all relevant laws or regulations applicable in relation to the export or import of any Lot that you intend to purchase.
By registering to bid in auctions and by bidding on the Ans Azura platform you agree to the Bidder’s and Buyer’s Terms and Conditions which you may consult here. Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. By bidding you accept personal liability to pay the Purchase Price consisting of the Hammer Price and the Buyer’s Premium plus the applicable Buyer's Expenses. Please note that the Total Cost Calculator will display the amount including the estimated Buyer’s Premium, exclusive of related artist resale royalties and any shipping expenses and all duties, taxes, VAT, and/or custom processing fees payable by the Buyer.
