Queen Victoria Silver and Gilt Plated Art Nouveau Decorative Bird Fan Shaped Basket c.1890

An extraordinary silver and parcel-gilt basket of asymmetric fan-shaped form, the body cast and chased with sinuous gilt foliage, scrolling tendrils and naturalistic floral ornament across a matted silver ground. The arching handle is formed from entwined branches with applied gilt leaves and blossom, while a cast bird perches amongst flowers at the centre of the basket. A tour de force of late Victorian naturalistic silversmithing in the emerging Art Nouveau manner, the interplay of bright silver and warm gilding giving the piece exceptional visual drama. An outstanding collector's piece of considerable rarity and ambition.