Anton Michelsen Small Margrethe Beaker in Gilt Sterling Silver

A small Margrethe beaker by Anton Michelsen, crafted in sterling silver with gilding to both the exterior and interior. The Copenhagen silver house is an established name in Danish silverware, and this piece combines a distinctive historicist form with richly detailed ornament. Its intimate scale contrasts with the architectural presence of the eight-lobed rim and strongly articulated vertical divisions. The body tapers towards a moulded foot that follows the scalloped outline. Rope-pattern ribs separate the eight rounded lobes, while ornamental bands of stylised foliage and flowers encircle the body. Warm gilded details contrast with silver-grey panels, lending definition to the relief decoration. The balance of quieter surfaces, intricate pattern and polished mouldings gives this compact piece considerable visual depth without overwhelming its proportions. The Margrethe beaker takes its name from Queen Margrethe I. Its form is associated with the tale that, fearing poisoning, the queen required seven cupbearers to taste her drink before she drank herself. The eight lobes are consequently linked to one for each cupbearer and one for the queen. The beaker is stamped “MICHELSEN T9 Sterling”. Measuring 6.0 cm high and 7.0 cm in diameter, the beaker is in fine, well-kept condition without personal engravings. It makes an engaging addition to a collection of Danish silver, displayed in a cabinet where the scalloped profile and interplay of silver and gilding can be appreciated at close quarters, or presented individually as a richly ornamented decorative object.

Measurements: Height 6 cm (2.36 in) · Width 7 cm (2.76 in) · diameter 7.0 cm.
Material: Sterling silver with exterior and interior gilding.
Era: Undated; historicist style.
Condition: Fine, well-kept condition without personal engravings.

One of a kind — only 1 available