Silver brandy bowl, J. van Leek, Leeuwarden, 1776

Frisian silver brandy bowl – Jan van Leek, Leeuwarden 1776

Exceptionally beautiful Frisian silver brandy bowl , made in 1776 by the Leeuwarden silversmith Jan van Leek (Voet B110), active from 1768. This brandy bowl is considered the showpiece in the collection , with an exceptionally rich and detailed chased work of very high artistic quality.

Both sides of the bowl depict the biblical story of Queen Esther , a tale of courage, wisdom, and justice. The end depicts the story of Jonah and the fish , a powerful symbol of trial and redemption. Various virtues are depicted on the base , giving the object a deeper moral and symbolic meaning.

The brandy bowl is fully hallmarked with the IVL master mark of Jan van Leek, the Leeuwarden city hallmark , the fineness hallmark , and the date letter Y for 1776 , convincingly establishing its provenance and dating. Such richly decorated brandy bowls are among the most prized and rare objects in Frisian silver from the 18th century.

Specifications:

• Object: brandy bowl
• Maker: Jan van Leek (Voet B110), Leeuwarden
  
• Dating: 1776
• Material: silver
• Technology: high-quality drivetrain
• Representations: Queen Esther (both sides), Jonah and the fish (end side), virtues on the foot
• Hallmarks: master mark IVL, city hallmark Leeuwarden, fineness hallmark, date letter Y (1776)
• Weight: 207 grams
• Dimensions: approx. 9 × 14 × 26 cm

An impressive and rare masterpiece of 18th century Frisian silver , with great art historical and collector's value, ideal for lovers of religious silver , masterpieces in chased work and Frisian brandy bowls .

For more information about brandy bowls, see the blog elsewhere on this site.