italian solid silver lidded cup, 1940s

Height x diameter: 33 x 13.5 cm. Weight: 1870 g
classically shaped and richly decorated with lid, featuring an ovoid body supported by a circular foot. The body is in relief, decorated with a classically inspired scene featuring figures in the neoclassical style, drawn from Greco-Roman antiquity, holding musical instruments and depicted in motion, interspersed with plant and ornamental motifs. The lid is domed and richly chiselled with plant motifs and scrolls. The lid is surmounted by a leaf-shaped handle.
The silver surface displays a natural patina and slight signs of ageing, characteristics which may be consistent with a period piece or, in any case, a traditionally crafted item. 800/1000 silver, hallmarked ‘800 – Milan hallmark in use from 1945 to 1968’.