A book binding, containing a combination notebook, compass, mirror, sundial and a portrait miniature
Of oblong section, the hinged covers with silver overlay on a gold ground pierced with monkeys, squirrels and…
A pair of Dutch silver chestnut vases
Each on four bun feet, the square base with circular raised centre with reeded band and plain knob stem, the vase-shaped gadrooned body with plain spreading top with reeded upper rim, two openworked foliate scroll and mask handles, the detachable low domed cover with gadrooned centre and snake finial.
Chestnut vases were made from the last quarter of the 18th century until circa early 1840. Often in porcelain, cut glass and silver but also in pewter and tin which were sometimes beautifully lacquered.
They were used for confected chestnuts or pineapple and the vases were kept on each side of the diningroom mantelpiece to keep the contents dry and fresh.
Provenance
Private collection, The Netherlands
Associated Literature
Cf. Barend J. van Benthem, De werkmeesters van Bennewitz en Bonebakker: Amsterdams grootzilver uit de eerste helft van de 19e eeuw, Zwolle, 2005, pp. 384-392 for other chestnut vases by Diederik Lodewijk Bennewitz.
