Architectural ornament - 1940-1950






Master marquetry craftswoman with 4 years' expert experience. Trainee auctioneer at Sotheby's Paris.
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142216 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Vintage crab-shaped caviar server in metal from Spain, dating to 1940–1950, with an articulated shell that opens to reveal a cobalt blue glass interior, detailed legs and claws, and a noticeable antique patina.
Description from the seller
Vintage crab-shaped caviar dish — circa 1950. Impressive and unusual, crab-shaped caviar dish dating to approximately the mid-20th century, circa 1950, crafted in silvered metal, with extraordinary sculptural work and a strong decorative presence.
The articulated carapace opens to reveal inside an elegant removable container of intense cobalt-blue crystal/glass, intended for presenting caviar. The legs, claws and texture of the carapace display highly detailed and realistic workmanship. Two blue elements applied to the front represent the eyes, creating a particularly beautiful color link with the interior container.
Dimensions: 8 cm height × 23 cm width × 31 cm length.
The piece retains a very pronounced antique patina on the silvering, the result of oxidation and the passage of time. This layer may even be concealing punches, maker’s marks, or hallmark stamps, so aggressive cleaning is not advised before careful analysis.
A tableware piece that is simultaneously sculptural, eccentric, and sophisticated, characteristic of the taste for luxurious naturalistic objects. In view of its size, construction, and visual presence, it is an especially interesting example for discerning collectors of table objects, silvered metal, and vintage decorative pieces.
A rare piece with great impact, especially suited for major collectors.
Vintage crab-shaped caviar dish — circa 1950. Impressive and unusual, crab-shaped caviar dish dating to approximately the mid-20th century, circa 1950, crafted in silvered metal, with extraordinary sculptural work and a strong decorative presence.
The articulated carapace opens to reveal inside an elegant removable container of intense cobalt-blue crystal/glass, intended for presenting caviar. The legs, claws and texture of the carapace display highly detailed and realistic workmanship. Two blue elements applied to the front represent the eyes, creating a particularly beautiful color link with the interior container.
Dimensions: 8 cm height × 23 cm width × 31 cm length.
The piece retains a very pronounced antique patina on the silvering, the result of oxidation and the passage of time. This layer may even be concealing punches, maker’s marks, or hallmark stamps, so aggressive cleaning is not advised before careful analysis.
A tableware piece that is simultaneously sculptural, eccentric, and sophisticated, characteristic of the taste for luxurious naturalistic objects. In view of its size, construction, and visual presence, it is an especially interesting example for discerning collectors of table objects, silvered metal, and vintage decorative pieces.
A rare piece with great impact, especially suited for major collectors.
