Cruet set - Silver, Glass - 1810 - 1822

Elegant Portuguese cruet set from the first half of the 19th century, of exceptional quality of execution, composed of a relief and pierced silver frame and a set of decanters in blown and cut glass, richly decorated with fine gilding in gold. The circular base, resting on an elevated foot, presents an elaborate lacy neoclassical-inspired decoration, executed in pierced silver with geometric and vegetal motifs. In the center rises an elegant turned stem, crowned by a cut-out movable handle, enabling the piece to be carried, a feature characteristic of ornate cruet sets produced in the early decades of the 19th century. The set retains four original transparent glass containers, intended for olive oil, vinegar and condiments. The decanters feature delicate hand-applied gold decoration, consisting of friezes, garlands, stylized leaves and floral motifs, complemented by equally decorated glass stoppers. The molded handles add elegance and functionality to the set. The silver frame bears the municipal marks of Lisbon of the assayer José Joaquim da Costa, dating between 1810 and 1822 (mark L-38.0b), as well as the mark of the prestigious silversmith Joaquim Prudêncio Vital Dinis, registered in 1812 and documented until 1852 (mark L-443.0), constituting an important testament to Portuguese silversmithing of the late Joanine and neoclassical period. A piece of high historical and collector interest, representative of the luxurious tables of the Portuguese aristocracy and upper middle class in the first half of the 19th century. Condition: Good overall condition, compatible with age. Shows signs of use, one of the glass stoppers is broken and two stoppers are missing, as described. The silver structure remains solid and well preserved.

Origin: Portugal
Era: 1st half of the 19th century (1810–1822)
Material: Silver and blown glass with gold decoration
Marks: Lisbon, assayer José Joaquim da Costa (L-38.0b)
Silversmiths: Joaquim Prudêncio Vital Dinis (L-443.0)
Silver weight: 2,506.3 grams
Height: 31 cm
Estimated market value