Victorian Sterling Silver Repoussé Trinket Box Putti Garden Scene, London, 1886

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Victorian Sterling Silver Repoussé Trinket Box with Putti Garden Scene, London, 1886, by Jacob & John Keyser

Dimensions: 3.75” W … Read more Victorian Sterling Silver Repoussé Trinket Box with Putti Garden Scene, London, 1886, by Jacob & John Keyser

Dimensions: 3.75” W x 2.5” D x 1.25” H, 79 grams

Country of Origin: England

Date: 1886

Maker: J&J.K.—Jacob & John Keyser (registered 1881)

This exquisite Victorian-era sterling silver box is a fine example of high-relief repoussé craftsmanship, depicting a richly detailed pastoral scene of playful putti, or cherubs, in a lush garden landscape. The central cartouche is surrounded by ornate scrolling foliage and floral motifs, rendered in deep repoussé with an oxidized background for dramatic contrast and depth.

The scene on the lid likely symbolizes the joys of nature and innocence, popular allegorical themes during the Victorian period. The putti are shown engaging in carefree play beneath trees, a reference to Arcadian ideals of harmony between nature and humankind.

The box is fully hallmarked on the interior lid with the lion passant for sterling silver, the leopard's head for London, the date letter “L” for 1886, and the maker’s mark “J·K over H·K” H·K”—registered to Jacob & John Keyser, noted London silversmiths working from 7 Cross Street, Hatton Garden.

The interior is beautifully gilded and retains its original rich gold wash. The box is edged with a ruffled border and decorated throughout with scrolling flora and fauna motifs. Its compact size makes it ideal as a vanity or jewelry box. See less