ELKINGTON MASON & CO. PUBLISHERS - Goblet - Silvered bronze - Vittoriano, circa 1850

Rare Romano-Vittorian Kantharos in Electrotype - Elkington, Mason & Co. "Publishers".

Description of the Object

Fascinating and rare two-handled kantharos in a neoclassical/Roman style, produced in the mid-19th century by the celebrated British manufactory Elkington, Mason & Co. using galvanoplasty (electrotype) technique (the base is bronze/brass).

This particular specimen is part of the prestigious series of art reproductions "published" by the firm under the direct sponsorship and license of the British Department of Science and Art, established in the wake of the Great Exhibition of London 1851 to disseminate the greatest masterpieces of classical antiquity.

The vase faithfully draws inspiration from a famous silver Roman archaeological artifact (found at Pompeii) and features a rich high-relief decoration finely detailed, characterized by mythological figures, putti (cherubs), centaurs, snakes and musical instruments (a lyre) set within naturalistic motifs.

The cup rests on a circular raised foot and is topped by two tall opposing slender handles.

The base bears the quadrilobate heraldic shield with the Latin motto "FIDE SED CUI VIDE" (Trust, but whom you trust), surrounded by the extended trademark "ELKINGTON MASON & CO. PUBLISHERS". On the rim is inscribed the model catalog number: 184. Dated between 1850 and 1854. (mark used in that period)

Dimensions Height: 15.1 cm Width across the handles: 17.3 cm Outer rim diameter: 11.6 cm. Weight: 646 g

Condition: Excellent antique condition (See photos). The object is structurally intact and solid. It features a splendid original patina of its time, with a slight and natural wear of the superficial silvering on the most exposed reliefs (characteristic emergence of the underlying metal, known as copper bleed), an element that attests to its authenticity and its over 170 years of history. The marks underneath the base are exceptionally sharp and perfectly legible.