Plate
- Place of origin:
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
Daniel and Charles Houle (manufacturer)
- Materials and Techniques:
Silver, chased and inlaid with two colours of gold
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 125e, case 3
- Download image
Object Type
The influence of Japanese metalwork, in which precious and non-precious metals were often combined, is visible on this plate, which uses two colours of gold to create a colourful effect. The use of coloured inlays is very unusual in British silver, as hallmarking regulations only permit inlays of gold. The Japanese fondness for depicting the natural world has influenced the decoration of the plate with its stylised insects and plants.
Time
The influence of Japanese art on western goods was particularly strong in the late 19th century after Japan ended its self-imposed isolation that had lasted for nearly 200 years. Exhibitions of Japanese art caused a sensation in London in 1862 and in Paris in 1867. As in the decoration of this plate, the West borrowed heavily from the wide range of techniques and styles used by Japanese artists and craftsmen, which were then re-interpreted for a western market.
Historical Associations
This plate, made by the London firm of Daniel and Charles Houle, has been decorated in two coloured gold inlay in imitation of Japanese sword-mount making techniques. The Houles not only copied Japanese styles and techniques but sent some of their work to Japan for decoration there.
Physical description
The centre of the plate chased with two blank panels, one edged with scrolls and floriated ornament and the other with a trail of leaves and buds with a lotus flower in the centre of each side. Around the panels are chased a beetle, a butterfly, a dragonfly and a bee. There are three plant trails on the border including one of a convolvulus; raised reeded edge.
Place of Origin
London, England (made)
Date
1878-1879 (hallmarked)
Artist/maker
Daniel and Charles Houle (manufacturer)
Materials and Techniques
Silver, chased and inlaid with two colours of gold
Marks and inscriptions
Maker's mark: star-shaped stamp, presumably the unofficial mark of the craftsman
London hallmarks for 1878-9
Mark of Daniel and Charles Houle
Dimensions
Diameter: 19.5 cm, Depth: 4 cm
Object history note
Made in London by Daniel and Charles Houle
Inlays of different coloured precious metals were unusual in British silver. The hallmarking laws made such effects very difficult, as the only metal permitted to be inlayed into silver was gold. Because of the more relaxed hallmarking laws, it was American firms like Tiffany that experimented most with this kind of decoration. The influence of Japanese metalwork, which often alloyed precious and non-precious metals for effect, is visible on this piece. The Houle firm seem to have sent some work to Japan for decoration there. This piece, however, is an imitation of Japanese techniques.
Neg._No: HE 2143
HE 1802
Historical context note
The polychromatic effect found on Japanese metalwork is seen as the primary influence in the design of this piece. Japanese motifs are incorporated on the decorative side, although the traditionally European form of the dish has remained unaltered.
Descriptive line
Silver plate with insect decoration, London hallmarks for 1878-9, mark of Daniel and Charles Houle.
Exhibition History
Japonisme (National Museum of Western Art 23/09/1988-11/12/1988)
Japonisme (Grand Palais 17/05/1988-15/08/1988)
Labels and date
British Galleries:
SILVER DISHES, Japanese and British
The Victorians were fascinated by the way in which the Japanese depicted every aspect of nature, down to the smallest insect. This use of natural forms inspired British designers such as the Houle brothers. This dish by them on the left also shows the influence of Japanese metalworking techniques using inlaid metals in contrasting colours, like the Japanese dish next to it. [27/03/2003]
Materials
Silver; Gold
Techniques
Chasing; Inlay (process)
Subjects depicted
Insects
Categories
British Galleries; Metalwork
Collection code
MET
