Offered by Baptiste Jamez
Important covered decanter by the Portuguese jeweler and silversmith firm LEITÃO & IRMÃO.
The body in cut crystal with twisted ribs, a star at the bottom, receives a hand-applied crystal handle. The upper part features a modernist-style mounting in solid 1st-title silver with gadrooned decoration. The lid, with its vermeil interior, features an interesting Orientalist-style grip in the form of a cartouche with the letters "LFA" interlaced, simulating a monogram.
Marks: Boar 1st title for Lisbon between 1887 and 1937, "1D TITULO" in all letters, "LEITAO & IR" in all letters, eagle head 1st title for Lisbon between 1887 and 1937 (lid). .
Lisbon, 1st third of the 20th century.
Condition report:
Some scratches and wear from use, a few superficial scratches localized to the lower part of the handle. Very good condition for this antic piece.
LEITÃO & IRMÃO
Founded in Porto at the end of the 18th century, LEITÃO & IRMÃO became Portugal's most important jeweler and was appointed Goldsmith to the Imperial House of Brazil by Emperor Pedro II in 1873, and Jeweler to the Portuguese Crown by King Luís I in 1887.
The company's jewellery is characterized by a modern approach to production, tinged with references to tradition. In addition to jewelry, it specializes in the creation of bespoke pieces of haute orfevrerie and tableware for the Portuguese aristocracy and royal family. LEITÃO & IRMÃO's creations include the jewellery set presented by the Portuguese royal family to Princess Amélia d'Orléans on the occasion of her marriage to Carlos, the future King of Portugal, the sword of honour in gold, precious stones and enamel presented by King Luís of Portugal to Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday, the chalice given by King Luís to Pope Leo XIII to commemorate his jubilee in 1888, used to celebrate the jubilee mass, the Brazilian Cup in 1908 and many other pieces throughout the 20th century up to the present day.
