Fish Slice
2002 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
The server is a restatement of the long-oval slices of the late 18th Century but with a style that brings it into modern context; especially the handle whose conception owes nothing to precedent. The artist’s work reveals an insightful and original approach to self-expression. By use of a simple, mechanical device- the drilling of multiple holes- she is able to convey novel insights into familiar objects, their context and meaning.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Silver, pierced with a bevelled edge |
Brief description | Silver, USA, San Francisco, 2002, designed and made by Sandra Enterline |
Physical description | This server is fully functional. The bevelled blade is a classic long-oval navette shape and has a brush finish, as does the handle. It is pierced all-over with a dense array of small holes of varying size. The result is a visual rippling appearance, as of deep, ruffled waters whose aspect changes with the light and angle of observation. The short, powerful, highly original handle is an exciting double wall, highly tapered, oblate ovoid-another navette form. It has flat cap that is pierced by the inner wall which protrudes a few millimetres. At the other end, the inner wall of the handle again slightly penetrates through the blade. |
Dimensions |
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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 |
Historical context | Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers. |
Summary | The server is a restatement of the long-oval slices of the late 18th Century but with a style that brings it into modern context; especially the handle whose conception owes nothing to precedent. The artist’s work reveals an insightful and original approach to self-expression. By use of a simple, mechanical device- the drilling of multiple holes- she is able to convey novel insights into familiar objects, their context and meaning. |
Bibliographic reference | Benton Seymour Rabinovitch, Contemporary Silver, Part II Recent Commissions, Seattle, RAB Associates, 2005, pp.52-3. ill. |
Other number | LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.125-2005 - previous loan number |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.98-2008 |
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Record created | May 12, 2008 |
Record URL |
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