Silver, parcel-gilt and enamel, London hallmarks for 2002, mark of Alan Mudd

The blade is a rare circular shape, not found in 18th or 19th century silver fish slices. The slightly domed circle is bevelled all around and features a central, enamelled, stony pool, with fish abounding. The enamelling combines basse taille and painting (Limoges) techniques. The pool is surrounded by engraved silver "stones" with silver lily pads at the rear. The front half of the pool is shallow, with brown green coloration; the stony bed and a swarm of fish are clearly seen. The rear half of the pool, deeper, is blue green in colour with fish and stones less clear and with enamelled lily pads at the rear - carried on by the silver pads. The handle junction is a circular growth of gilded stiff reeds (spiked leaves out of which rises the stalk of an iris. It has large engraved, frilled and patterned leaves which constitute the handle, and which bend over in an S shape and encompasses the stem of an iris flower, the finial decoration. The leaves form a comfortable handle close to the lift. The handle is completely gilded. It may be dismounted for cleaning by a screw under the blade. The server is both modestly functional and highly decorative.

Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Professor B. Seymour Rabinovitch

Fairfax House Fish & Cake Slice exhibition RF.2004/419

Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers.

This naturalistic presentation which exploits technical virtuosity is a latter day expression of a theme whose inspiration has seemingly been eternal.

M.68-2008