By repute, purchased directly from Boulenger at the Paris Universal Exposition in 1900.

Comprising a figural silver centrepiece centred by a raised vase with removable silver liner on an integrated silver-bronze 'mirror plateau' base. It is decorated throughout with aquatic themes; shells, waves, seaweed, mermaids, mer-children and hippocampus, two large shells at either end rest almost seamlessly upon the four dolphins of the plateau base.

Unusually, and probably because of its exhibition pedigree, it is signed twice. Once for ... Read More

By repute, purchased directly from Boulenger at the Paris Universal Exposition in 1900.

Comprising a figural silver centrepiece centred by a raised vase with removable silver liner on an integrated silver-bronze 'mirror plateau' base. It is decorated throughout with aquatic themes; shells, waves, seaweed, mermaids, mer-children and hippocampus, two large shells at either end rest almost seamlessly upon the four dolphins of the plateau base.

Unusually, and probably because of its exhibition pedigree, it is signed twice. Once for

the sculptor "F. Moreau sculpteur" and once for the maker "Ch. Boulenger & Cie Paris Orfevres", the centrepiece is further marked for French first-standard silver and with the Boulenger makers mark in a diamond shaped lozenge.

35.5 inches (90cm) long
19.25 inches (49cm) high
18.5 inches (47cm) wide (front to back)

Silver weight 553 Troy oz (17.22 kilos)

François Moreau (Paris 1858-1930)
Hippolyte François Moreau known as François Moreau (Paris 1858 - Paris 1930) was a classically trained French sculptor. He initially worked under his father and world-famous sculptor, Jean-Baptiste Moreau, before moving to Paris to work and study under François Jouffroy. From 1863 to 1914, Francois Moreau regularly exhibited his work at the Salon of French Artists and won awards for his sculptures at Paris' Universal Exposition in both 1878 and 1900. He was well-known for his noted sculpture of famous mathematician, Alexis Clairaut, as well as for his statuettes of young women, children, and hunting scenes. Many of Francois Moreau's scultptures can be found throughout France, including in the city Hall of Paris and the Museum of Fine Arts in Dijon.

Ch Boulenger & Cie, Paris
In the 19th century and at the turn of the century, Boulenger was one of the most prominent silversmiths in Paris. The company was founded in 1810 by M. Boulenger-Hautin, in its first decades operating as the Orfevrerie Hautin. When cousin Adolphe Boulenger took over the management in 1864, the name changed to A. Boulenger & Cie. From their branch at 4 rue de Vert-Bois in Paris, the company made a name for itself as an Orfevre of caliber, and in time Boulenger became a regular supplier to the French navy. In 1898 the firm was taken over by Charles Boulenger. It ranked among the finest and most distinguished Parisian silversmiths with their work being awarded several prizes at fairs and exhibitions.