Vase with cover (one of a pair)

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver gilt vase with cover, crafted in London around 1675–76 by the silversmith marked "I H," exemplifies the opulence of Restoration-era Britain. Standing at 15 tall, it forms one of a pair, likely designed for grand display in aristocratic homes during the reign of Charles II. The medium—silver coated with a thin layer of gold—created a shimmering, luxurious surface that symbolized wealth and status, while its chased and embossed decoration, including prominent mask motifs, reflects the Baroque taste for dramatic, theatrical ornamentation. Silversmiths in London, a thriving hub of metalwork, employed sophisticated techniques like gilding and repoussé to elevate functional objects into sculptural art. Masks, evoking classical grotesques from ancient Rome, were popular embellishments, adding whimsy and narrative flair. This vase's intricate details highlight the era's craftsmanship, bridging utility and high decoration. Today, housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Department as a gift from Irwin Untermyer in 1968, it offers a glimpse into 17th-century elite culture, where such pieces served as status symbols at banquets or in cabinet displays.