Silver Milk Jug, By Duponchel Orfevre, Circa 1850

Silver milk jug resting on a circular pedestal, bulging body with tight throat forming a flared lip and a pouring spout. The body is entirely engraved with Chinoiserie motifs representing pele-mele the village and human characters, the collar and the edge of the piedouche are highlighted with Greek friezes. The volute handle is shaped like a bamboo stem. The interior is gold. 950/1000 silver, Minerva hallmark Master Goldsmith: Manant Louis. Creator: Henri Duponchel, one of the most important goldsmiths in Paris in the 19th century. Known as Henri Duponchel, Morel et Cie, Duponchel & Morel, and Duponchel & Cie, his own hallmark was inscribed in 1849. He worked with several different goldsmiths, including Louis Manant, Charles Glachant. Length: 16.5 Diameter: 11 cm Height: 9.2 cm Weight: 291 cm Good condition, note the presence of a small dent on the pouring spout and traces of use of the gilding.