1st Mar, 2025 9:30 GMT/BST
20th Century Design
257
Henry George Murphy (1884-1939): An Arts & Crafts Silver-Mounted Wood Mazer-Bowl and Cover, London, 1929, the turned-wood bowl tapering and with silver mounts, the cover with tapering wood-set finial, hallmarked London, 1929, maker's mark HGM,
10.5cm diameter
Provenance:
Bonhams, London, 26 April 2017, lot 339, where purchased by the present owner.
The Lion Collection.
The mazer-bowl, perhaps named after the German màs, meaning 'a spot', in reference to the grain of the maple that was most often used to make them, is a traditional form of drinking vessel. English silver-mounted examples from the 14th to the 16th century are known and would have been available to view by Arts & Crafts artists in the early 20th century. As such they were a popular item for silversmiths, including not only Henry George Murphy as with the present example, but also Omar Ramsden whose name is perhaps more associated with the revival of the form. An example with very similar ornament to the present example, though lacking a cover and raised on a spiral-fluted foot is illustrated by P. Atterbury and J. Benjamin in their book on the artist (Arts and Crafts to Art Deco The Jewellery and Silver of H. G. Murphy, Woodbridge, 2005, p. 95).
Estimated at £3,000 - £5,000
Fully marked on rim and cover bezel. Further part marked underneath. The marks are clear. There is some overall minor surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The wood with some minor surface imperfections.
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Auction: 20th Century Design, 1st Mar, 2025
A group of important pieces of Arts and Crafts Silver from the Lion Collection will be on offer in the sale. The Lion Collection was carefully curated by John L. Davis, and comprises fine pieces by some of the greatest makers and designers working in the first half of the 20th century such as Archibald Knox for Liberty, Henry George Murphy, Omar Ramsden and Alwyn Carr, along with rare examples by the Keswick School of Industrial Arts.
The sale will also offer part of the Dr Eileen Cobb Collection, including a colourful selection of decorative pottery cats including and example by Gallé and finely made 20th century furniture.
Another good offering of Mouseman furniture and furnishings includes two 1930s pieces made for Ronald and Lillian Crossley's Arts and Crafts house 'Tudor Croft' in Guisborough.
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Thursday 27th - Friday 28th February 10am-4pm and morning of the sale from 8am
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