Fish Slice
1995 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This server represents a consummate blend of 18th century European form and Far Eastern style of decoration. Simplicity of form and elaborate ornamentation have also resulted in a blending of the modern and the traditional, making it a timeless object that crosses cultures. Yuen Kee-Ho has exploited the different textures that are possible on silver through sanding, brushing and polishing to create a rich surface pattern that contrasts with the smooth, simple design of the handle. His sensitivity to surface patterning can be connected to the flat chasing of the English silversmiths, Rod Kelly and Michael Lloyd.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Sterling silver, with corian finial |
| Brief description | Sterling silver with stone finial, USA, Cedar Fall, Iowa, designed and made by Yuen Kee-Ho |
| Physical description | The blade is of elongated, pointed, trowel shape with rounded sides, reminiscent of a number of 18th century Continental implements. The leading edges are waved and there is a protruding drop shape feature on the left front edge. A polished, narrow, circumscribing band around the blade contains a brushed surface. It is decorated with an etched fish, in negative, in scrolled waved lines; a fountain of polished droplets rises towards the tip. A rear apron arises abruptly at the back of the blade; it has a multi-curved chrysanthemum-like contour and an applied strengthening strap; it holds an up-sloping cannon-end handle that has a Corian ring finial, and half round closures at both ends of the handle. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Maker's mark for Yuen Kee-Ho |
| Gallery label | This collection of silver slices, all commissioned over a period of twenty years by Professor Benton Seymour Rabinovitch FRS, is proof of the skill and diversity of contemporary silversmiths. Each artist craftsman has responded to the familiar functional form of the slice in an individual way, producing an astonishingly diverse range of interpretations. Each piece becomes an enchanting, decorative work of art. Professor Rabinovitch established a close rapport with each artist, always encouraging a freedom of creative expression. The response of these silversmiths has been not only to be strikingly imaginative but also to honour him by giving him their best work.
This collection is testimony to the significant contribution that one individual can make to supporting the craft of silversmithing. After commissioning work from some of the most illustrious names in British and North American silversmithing, Professor Rabinovitch has very generously donated his entire collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum, through the American Friends of the V&A.(2005) |
| Credit line | Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Professor B. Seymour Rabinovitch |
| Object history | Historical significance: Yuen creates dynamic lively pieces through use of a variety of surface textures. The trowel-shaped blade with its connotations of a construction tool, Yuen contrasted with his graceful engravings in "a playful combination of its honest form as a tool with the fine decoration of an elegant silver server". |
| Historical context | Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers. |
| Summary | This server represents a consummate blend of 18th century European form and Far Eastern style of decoration. Simplicity of form and elaborate ornamentation have also resulted in a blending of the modern and the traditional, making it a timeless object that crosses cultures. Yuen Kee-Ho has exploited the different textures that are possible on silver through sanding, brushing and polishing to create a rich surface pattern that contrasts with the smooth, simple design of the handle. His sensitivity to surface patterning can be connected to the flat chasing of the English silversmiths, Rod Kelly and Michael Lloyd. |
| Bibliographic reference | Benton Seymour Rabinovitch and Helen Clifford,Contemporary Silver, commissioning, designing, collecting, London, Merrell 2000, pp.152-3. ill. ISBN. 1858941040 |
| Other number | LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.155-2005 - previous loan number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.128-2008 |
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| Record created | July 5, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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