Victorian Parcel Gilt Vase by D & C Houle

  This exceptional Victorian parcel-gilt silver vase by Daniel and Charles Houle depicts scenes from the Greek fable the Judgment of Paris, in which Trojan youth Paris chooses Aphrodite as the fairest goddess resulting in a tragic consequence, the Trojan War. Appropriately crafted in the shape of a Greek amphora, this vase’s intricately engraved figures stand out against the soft gold background, while classical Greek accents, such as a large anthemion and Greek key and rolling wave border frame their mythic proceedings.

The sons of noted silversmith John Houle, Daniel and Charles Houle first went into business with their father for a year in 1844. Maintaining their joint partnership for 40 years, the brothers supplied high-quality silver articles in a large variety of styles to a number of retailers. Some of their finest work included exquisite items boasting gold inlay and parcel-gilding such as this magnificent urn.

Hallmarked London, 1868

22 ½” high

156.25 Troy ounces