Antique 1861 Sterling Silver Teniers-Style Wine Ewer by Joseph Angell II, London – Bacchus Spout
£5,500.00
A magnificent and exceptionally substantial Victorian sterling silver wine ewer, crafted in London in 1861 by Joseph Angell II, a leading member of the celebrated Angell family of silversmiths.
The ewer has an elegant, tall silhouette and is crafted entirely from English sterling silver. Weighing approximately 1,049 grams, it has an impressive presence and reflects the exceptional quality of fine nineteenth-century London silver.
The body is richly decorated with lively figural scenes in the Teniers style. Named after the seventeenth-century Flemish painter David Teniers the Younger, this distinctive style is celebrated for its animated depictions of village gatherings, tavern interiors, music, dancing and everyday festivities.
One side presents a joyful family celebration, with several generations gathered together in music and dance. The reverse depicts friends and relatives drinking and conversing around a table, their expressive gestures capturing the warmth and exuberance of the occasion.
Scattered bottles and drinking vessels enhance the convivial atmosphere, while the surrounding houses, windows, trees, grass and barrels are rendered with remarkable precision. The composition unfolds around the body like a finely detailed three-dimensional genre painting.
The tall sculptural handle takes the form of an entwined grapevine, with finely modelled leaves and clusters of fruit naturally complementing the ewer’s association with wine. The spout is adorned with a striking cast mask of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, while the lid is surmounted by a beautifully modelled figure of a travelling minstrel. These sculptural elements lend the piece exceptional character and theatrical presence.
The ewer retains clear London hallmarks, including the maker’s mark “JA” for Joseph Angell II, the lion passant sterling silver mark, the London leopard’s head, Queen Victoria’s duty mark and the lowercase date letter “f” for 1861.
Standing approximately 34cm high and holding approximately two litres, this is an unusually large and substantial example. The interior has been carefully cleaned, and the intricate figural and architectural details remain beautifully defined.
Details
• Maker: Joseph Angell II
• Date: 1861
• Period: Victorian
• Assay Office: London
• Date letter: Lowercase “f”
• Material: English sterling silver
• Form: Wine ewer
• Style: Teniers-style figural decoration
• Handle: Sculptural grapevine with leaves and fruit
• Spout: Cast Bacchus mask
• Finial: Cast figure of a travelling minstrel
• Height: Approximately 34cm
• Capacity: Approximately 2 litres
• Weight: Approximately 1,049g
• Hallmarks: JA, lion passant, London leopard’s head, Queen Victoria duty mark and date letter “f”
Why You’ll Love It
This exceptional wine ewer combines the finest traditions of Victorian silversmithing with vivid narrative artistry. Its intricately worked scenes reward close inspection, revealing expressive figures, architectural details and charming glimpses of nineteenth-century convivial life.
The Bacchus-mask spout, grapevine handle and minstrel finial create a beautifully unified celebration of wine, music and companionship. Its impressive scale and substantial weight make it a commanding centrepiece as well as an important example of Joseph Angell II’s work.
Condition
In excellent antique condition, with the figural scenes and sculptural details remaining crisp and well defined. The interior has been carefully cleaned.
The silver surface retains a natural patina, gentle wear and light marks consistent with its age and history. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping from London, UK.
The ewer will be securely and professionally packed, with a tracked shipping service selected according to the destination. Please contact us before purchasing if you require any further information.
About SHECH
SHECH London specialises in carefully selected antique and vintage jewellery, British and European silver, and objects distinguished by their history, craftsmanship and beauty.
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