Dish - .800 silver - Silver 800 basket

This superb pedestal bowl in 800 silver has remarkable craftsmanship, typical of European tableware from the late 19th century or early 20th century. The visible '800' hallmark confirms it is made of solid silver with a fineness of 800/1000. The natural oxidation visible gives it a golden-bronze patina. The bowl features a Neoclassical or Historicist style. The upper lip and the square base are adorned with an openwork filigree frieze, a fine metalworking technique highly prized for visually lightening prestige pieces. This type of dish or compote on a pedestal historically served mainly as a table centerpiece to present fruit, sweets, or biscuits during receptions. The wide openwork upper rim (collar with a frieze of grape clusters and grapevines). The grape motif paired with a square base fits a Neoclassical or Historicist style. This piece was most likely made in Italy or Germany, countries renowned for 800 fineness silverwork.