Silver brandy bowl, Leeuwarden, 1804

Frisian silver brandy bowl – Leeuwarden, 1804

A unique Frisian silver brandy bowl , made in 1804 by an unknown silversmith from Leeuwarden . This richly crafted piece features deep, finely chased biblical scenes on both sides, characteristic of the high level of craftsmanship of Frisian silver from the early 19th century.

One side depicts the Holy Family : Joseph and Mary with the baby Jesus , accompanied by two angels during the Flight into Egypt . The other side shows Jesus speaking to his disciples with the biblical words: "I will make you fishers of men." This iconography gives the bowl a distinctly religious and symbolic character.

The brandy bowl is hallmarked with the date letter K for 1804 , the fineness hallmark , and the city hallmark of Leeuwarden , confirming its Frisian origin and dating. Such richly decorated silver brandy bowls were used for special occasions and are now prized collector's items within the Dutch silver collection.

Specifications:

• Object: brandy bowl
• Origin: Friesland, Leeuwarden
• Maker: unknown silversmith
• Dating: 1804
• Material: silver
• Technology: drivetrain
• Imagery: Flight into Egypt; Jesus and the Disciples ( “I will make you fishers of men” )
• Approvals: date letter K (1804), content mark, city mark Leeuwarden
• Weight: 163.3 grams
• Dimensions: approx. 8.5 × 11.5 × 25 cm

Provided with a stipple engraving with the initials: MS 1804 and SP 1804.

An impressive and rare example of Frisian silverwork , with both artistic and historical significance, ideal for collectors of religious silver , 19th century Dutch silver and chased silver utensils .