Sterling silver Tankard from the Liberty & Co ."Cymric" range with enamel decoration and Carnelians.
Designed by Archibald Knox, and this example is hallmarked for 1900.
Photograph and description courtesy of Titus Omega.
As the date shows, this is a Victorian piece and must have caused quite a stir in the design world.
Even now it looks to be futuristic so for 1900 it was so outlandish and ahead of its time.
Liberty Cymric tankard designed by Archibald Knox
Date made: 1902
Artist: Knox, Archibald
Description: A tankard inset with enamel and carnelian decoration. The tankard was designed by Archibald Knox for the 'Cymric' silver range at Liberty & Co. of London.
Measurements: overall: 20.5 cm x 25 cm x 10 cm
Materials: enamel, silver
Object name: tankard
Photograph and description courtesy of Manx National Heritage via the link at imuseum.im.
Note the extra scroll at the bottom of the handle which is adorned with a red carnelian.
A beautiful silver tankard by Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co’s Cymric range. The tankard is set with carnelian stones and enamels with distinctive art nouveau style handle with enamel to the tip. This specific tankard appears in Dr Stephen Martin’s book “Archibald Knox”, second edition, page 195 model xx. This is one of Knox’s most striking designs and represents an important bridge from his earlier work to most exciting pieces designed after 1901. The design was registered by Liberty as early as 24th January, 1901, see additional images. The lid is engraved with a small monogram, “ISP” contemporary to the piece.
Maker: Liberty & Co
Designer: Archibald Knox
Date: 1900
Marks: L & Co, Birmingham, date letter “a ”, Cymric
Material: Sterling silver, enamel
Size: 21 cm tall (body/lid), 25 cm to handle
Weight : 684 grams,24.1 0zs
Photograph and description courtesy of The Peartree Collection.
