In 20th-century Dutch silversmithing, Jan Postmus (J. Postmus) is a name that quickens the heart of many collectors. This talented craftsman was active between 1899 and 1955 and worked across Amsterdam, Alphen aan den Rijn, and the historic West Frisian silver city of Hoorn.
While some contemporaries opted for sleek, machine-made designs, Postmus adhered to breathtaking hand craftsmanship. He became world-renowned for his fabulous openwork silver baskets and his extremely detailed miniatures.
In this blog, we highlight the life, recognizable stylistic features, and masterful objects of this versatile master silversmith.
J. Postmus's absolute trademark is his mastery of the openwork technique: hand-sawing intricate patterns into silver plate. Postmus excelled in the production of:
- Silver bonbon dishes and cake baskets with openwork sides.
- Richly decorated bread baskets and serving trays.
His most sought-after works are the so-called peacock baskets. This silverware features extremely complex, sawn-out motifs incorporating peacock crests and tails. The craftsmanship behind these baskets was so unique that later generations of silversmiths long preserved Postmus's original casting and model molds as historical heritage.
Besides his large openwork, Postmus had a great passion for creating 
silver miniatures. His miniatures, also known as étagère silver, are a nostalgic hymn to early 20th-century Dutch daily life.
silver miniatures. His miniatures, also known as étagère silver, are a nostalgic hymn to early 20th-century Dutch daily life.
His work stands out for its unprecedented detail and dynamism. Consider, for example, complete scenes of a family drinking tea at a table (including miniature chairs, a tea set, and a pet dog) mounted on a silver base plate. Historical means of transport and crafts also came to life, such as detailed milk carts with horses and miniature wheelbarrows with openwork and rotating wheels.
How to recognize a genuine J. Postmus?
Do you want to check if your silver basket or miniature was made by this master? Postmus objects from his Hoorn period bear specific, statutory Dutch hallmarks:
- The Master's Mark: Postmus signed his work with the stamp J2P (sometimes registered as JPH).
- The Fineness Mark: Almost all his miniatures and baskets are hallmarked with the Sword or the Lion Passant with a 2 for Dutch second grade silver (.835 pure silver).
- The Assay Office: Pieces assayed during his Hoorn years often bear the Minerva Head with the letter B (Assayed in Schoonhoven, which served the Hoorn region at the time).
Discover Top-Quality Silver on Zilverwebsite.nl
Jan Postmus's silverwork is a perfect reflection of Dutch heritage and pure technical ingenuity. Are you looking for a unique addition to your own display cabinet or antique collection? At Zilverwebsite.nl, we have a passion for quality silver with a special story.
-
Browse our weekly changing collection of antique silver items for rare finds.
- Be amazed by the fine craftsmanship in our category of 20th-century silver miniatures.
Every silver object in our webshop is meticulously appraised for authenticity and fineness, ensuring you receive a guaranteed authentic masterpiece.
