SWEDISH EMPIRE SILVER TWIN-HANDLED SAMOVAR
PEHR ZETHELUIS, STOCKHOLM 1797
Auction: Day Two | Thurs 4th Sept at 10am | Lots 403 to 727
Description
of urn form, the twin handles of lion clasped loop form, the detachable domed lid with foliate border and budding finial, raised on three ribbed supports with female figure terminals, to claw and ball feet, on a wooden trefoil base with three ball feet
Dimensions
58cm high
Provenance
Bonhams, London Knightsbridge, Gentleman's Library Sale, 29th January 2013, lot 91, £8,125
Footnote
Pehr Zethelius (1740-1810)
The son of Adolf Zethelius, the dynasty were leading silversmiths in Stockholm during the 18th century, and were both noted for being trendsetters by introducing new styles from the Continent.
One of his most celebrated works is the memorial cup commissioned by Queen Louisa Ulrika, sister of King Frederik the Great of Prussia in 1782. Re-discovered in 2012, the cup, along with other works by Zethelius can be found in the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm. The cup was commissioned for the Chaplain who delivered Queen Louisa Ulrika's funeral and was subsequently passed down through his family. The provenance of this piece, and the family history relate that the piece was purchased directly from Zethelius by Corfitz Ludvig Beck-Friis (1767-1834) of Borringe Priory and thence by descent until 2013.