Sterling Silver and Vermeil Preserve Spoon in “Hizen”, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Provincetown, Ri, Patented 1880

Engraved “RRW”

This Japonisme preserve spoons honors the birthplace of Japanese porcelain in the Hizen region. Wares made of this region’s clay were praised throughout Europe for its beauty, strength and thinness. By the late seventeenth century, Japanese porcelain dominated the world market.

The gilt clam shell bowl and crab, as well as the lily pads and bamboo leaves, pay tribute to the seacoast of the region. The granular texture and indentations on the handle’s reverse symbolize the coarse gray texture of the kaolin and the free, fluid hands used to shape the wares. Partial gilding on the bowl and handle are draw the eye to the fine details and are very rare.