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 hu...