Precious 18th Century Solid Silver Tea Bottle, Italy. Valentine's Day. 315 Grams

Lovely small solid silver bottle made in France in the 18th century. This item is actually designed to contain tea, and it has a sliding base which has to be removed in order to put the dry product into the bottle. Afterwards, if we remove the lid we can see the wide circular mouth of the bottle: the tea is poured through it in order to be prepared. The bottle is quadrangular in shape, boasting a harmonious design embellished by the baroque and romantic decoration of the silver. The bottles two broader sides are decorated with embossed motives depicting three charming Cupids resting on clouds, surrounded by a luxurious decoration of roses and volutes. These scenes are romantic and mythological in style, very nice and beautifully hand-made. The narrower sides bear a decoration depicting different symbols: a torch, a quiver with arrows (a symbol of Cupid), a flaming heart and a crown, all of them surrounded by classical and floral patterns. The main scenes are not exactly the same: they have some differences in spite of being quite similar. The winged little gods are naked and in different attitudes: standing, lying down, offering fruit Both scenes are charming and highly romantic. The bottle has two hallmarks stamped on the sliding base: a fleur-de-lis and an H, both with crowns over them, used in France in the 18th century. The bottles lid is cylindrical in shape and bears also a profuse embossed decoration. This wonderful antique silver piece is surely the best gift for any lover of delicate antiques, or an unforgettable detail for the loving one. Measurements: 90 mm width x 155 mm height. 315 grams