J.M. van Kempen & Zonen - Bonbon basket - .833 silver - Antique silver bonbon dish

J.M. van Kempen & Zonen – Antique silver bonbon basket – 833/1000 silver – openwork with bow handles – Netherlands ca. 1900-1924

A particularly beautiful and elegant antique Dutch silver bonbon basket, made by the renowned silver manufacturer J.M. van Kempen & Zonen in Voorschoten**.

The oval basket is executed in a highly decorative openwork ajour pattern. The sides consist of finely cut geometric and fan-shaped motifs and are finished along the top with a graceful pearl rim.

On both short sides there are stunning bow-shaped handles, combined with stylized leaf and scroll ornaments. These bow decorations give the basket a very elegant appearance that is characteristic of Dutch intra-table silver from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

The base is made of solid silver and presents a beautiful contrast to the airy openwork silver on the sides.

Hallmarks

The basket is Dutch-assayed and, among others, bears:

master mark VK of J.M. van Kempen & Zonen, Voorschoten
Dutch passant lion with the number 2
second-grade silver, 833/1000

The master mark used for Van Kempen belongs to the period 1858-1924. Based on the design, style, and comparable documented pieces, this basket can be dated to the early 20th century, presumably circa 1900-1920.

Maker: J.M. van Kempen & Zonen
Origin: Voorschoten, Netherlands
Material: solid silver
Silver content: 833/1000 – Dutch second grade
Period: ca. 1900-1924
Dimensions: approx. 16 × 8.5 × 5 cm
Weight: 81 grams

Condition

The basket is in good antique condition for its age. The openwork and the decorative bow handles have been nicely preserved.

There are normal signs of use and aging, including light scratches, discoloration, and silver patina/oxidation, mainly on the interior and on the bottom. These signs are typical for a silver household item over a hundred years old and, in my opinion, contribute to its authentic character.

Please examine the photos carefully; they form an important part of the description.

An attractive and collectible piece of Dutch antique table silver from one of the best-known Dutch silver manufacturers of this period.