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Karen's Picks
Karen Rigdon | Vice President, Fine Silver & Decorative Arts
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This exceptional Tiffany & Co. presentation cup, dated January 24, 1898, and presented by the directors of the American Manufacturing Company to David Nevins Jr. (1839-1898), exemplifies the firm's artistry at the height of the Gilded Age. Its richly chased, bulbous body, with three winged caduceus-form handles, frames reserves with a portrait silhouette of Nevins, his monogram "DM," and the inscription, "O Pass the Loving Cup of Friendship Round," reflecting a culture of corporate honor and fellowship.
Within seven months, Nevins traveled to Bad Nauheim, Germany, where he died on August 24, 1898. Today, the caduceus is more commonly recognized as a symbol of medicine, lending added resonance to the design.
A masterwork of Tiffany presentation silver, the cup embodies the intersection of artistry, industry, and identity in late 19th-century America.
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Henry van de Velde (1863-1957) helped define modern design, replacing historical revival with a language of line, structure, and function. A leading figure in Art Nouveau and German Jugendstil, he conceived objects as living forms, animated by continuous, flowing lines in which structure and ornament are inseparable.
This three-piece tea set, with organically emerging handles carved with a beaded motif and lids with asymmetrical, incised flourishes, rests on a shaped tray whose attenuated arms carry a bead-and-reel edge.
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Assembled over a lifetime, the collection of Yousif "Joe" Hamati reflects a deeply informed appreciation for Georg Jensen's evolving design language. What began with a single acquisition grew into a focused pursuit-one that, while affectionately teased by his family, was guided by careful study and a discerning eye.
Drawn first to Jensen's hand-hammered surfaces and organic forms, Joe soon turned to the firm's hallmarks and designer's marks, collecting with increasing attention to authorship. His holdings trace a thoughtful arc through Jensen history: from the restrained naturalism of the Blossom pattern, to Harald Nielsen's structured Pyramid designs — exemplified by a striking covered fish platter — and into the sculptural modernism of Henning Koppel, whose fluid forms redefine silver in the 20th century.
Comprising more than one hundred works, the Hamati collection offers not only aesthetic beauty, but a concise study in Georg Jensen's artistic legacy.
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Xenia's Pick
Xenia Amaya | Cataloguer, Decorative Arts
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I'm especially drawn to Martelé for its softness; it feels almost organic, and pieces like this are simply beautiful in person, with a presence that is both refined and visually striking. This Gorham Martelé trophy cup is a strong example of the firm's hand-wrought line, produced in Providence in the early 20th century. Each piece was hammered and chased, giving the surface rich detail and subtle uniqueness. The flowing decoration and sculptural three-handle form reflect Art Nouveau influence and showcase Gorham's technical skill.
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I find this center bowl both decorative and practical, and the form is visually fun. It has a clean, modern look while still feeling detailed and expressive, making it a standout on a table or display. Produced in Taxco, it reflects Castillo's signature blend of sculptural form and functional object, with articulated shell panels and stylized flippers creating a dynamic, lifelike presence. Altogether, it's a great example of Taxco silver: well-made, distinctive, and easy to appreciate!
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Carolyn's Picks
Carolyn Mani | West Coast Director, Trusts and Estates
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As an appraiser, collector, and curator, I consider the Gorham Narragansett pattern to be one of the most intricate and compelling achievements in American silver. Introduced in 1884, the pattern showcases an extraordinary level of detail, with realistically rendered sand, barnacles, shells, and aquatic life covering the surface. These richly textured elements create a dramatic and engaging table presentation, and the pattern's artistry and craftsmanship continue to make it highly sought.
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One of the most popular patterns of Tiffany & Co. silver flatware is the Audubon pattern, admired for its elegance and artistic refinement. Created in 1871 under the strong influence of Japanese aesthetics, the design reflects the late 19th century fascination with naturalism and asymmetry. It features eight different species of birds interwoven with delicate floral motifs and was originally titled Japanese. When the pattern was reintroduced in 1953, it was renamed Audubon in recognition of its lyrical natural imagery, and it continues to be one of the most enchanting and distinctive accents for a formal table setting.
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This wonderful lot of nine classic 18th century George III silver charger plates boasts a storied past. Created over a span of twenty years, they were part of a larger service that once graced a grand English estate of the period. A nice example of antique English silver, the set is an exceptional addition to a period collection and retains marks associated with the Baron Vavazor of Wisbeach, Cambridgeshire, adding both historical significance and provenance.
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Karen Rigdon
Vice President,
Fine Silver &
Decorative Arts
KarenR@HA.com
(214) 409-1723
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Xenia Amaya
Cataloguer,
Decorative Arts
XeniaA@HA.com
(214) 409-1907
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Carolyn Mani
West Coast Director,
Trusts and Estates
CarolynM@HA.com
(310) 492-8614
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