19th Century Austrian Silver, Enamel & Rock Crystal Jug, Vienna, 1890s

Antique 19th Century Austrian rare and unusual solid silver-gilt & enamel rock crystal jug. The rock crystal engraved with intricate scrollwork, silver gilt mounts decorated with champlevé enamelled in Renaissance style depicting birds amongst floral scrolls. The jugs lip applied with a cast busted figure, mounted with a scroll leaf handle. Hallmarked Austrian-Hungarian silver (dog head, 800), Vienna, circa 1890, Makers attributed to Rudolf Linke.

At the end of the 19th century, Rudolf Linke was a respectable silversmith and enameller in Vienna. His workshop specialised in silver tableware, table centrepieces and jewellery, designed mostly in Neo-Renaissance style, also called Historismus.

Linke’s fantasy enamelled objects – such as nefs, mantel clocks, cornucopias, ewers, drinking horns and other vessels – were usually lavishly decorated with carved rock crystal inlays and adorned with mounted silver details. His impeccable enamels were usually performed in the polychromed pink-centred colour palette, painted with biblical or mythological scenes.

Aside from large usable objects, Linke produced intricate enamelled miniatures. Apple-sized jewel stands, tri-fold screens, cabinet clocks and other pieces were decorated with ornate Rococo silver details and finely detailed enamel panels, depicting classic scenes. These stunning articles were highly embraced by the bourgeois clientele.

Along with such prolific artisans as Hermann Ratzersdorfer, Hermann Bohm, Ludwig Politzer, Rudolf Linke presented the excellent craftsmanship of Austrian enamelling in the last third of the 19th century. Nowadays, his splendid decorative silver items are sought after by the collectors.

CONDITION
In Good Condition – Wear expected with age, some enamel loses. Please refer to photographs.

SIZE
Height: 13.5 cm // 5.31 in
Width: 15 cm // 5.91 in
Weight: 290 g // 10.23 oz