Toronto Silver Plate Co. (Canada, Toronto, 1882-1914)
Cupid & Psyche, circa 1885
Aesthetic Period, Creamer, No. 122
Quadruple Plate
4 3/4″ high x 3 1/2″ wide
Description: A rare and superb Canadian Aesthetic Movement silver plate creamer made by the Toronto Silver Plate Company, circa 1885. Often drawing on the works of the ‘Olympians’ who wove classical mythology into their creations, the motifs of this creamer follow the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche and are decoratively woven together “for art’s sake” placing harmony of form over their subject matter without sacrifice to function.
Set in and around asymmetrical quilted and bordered geometric shapes and patterns are found Cupid, the Spider, a Flying-Fish, a Sparrow, a snail, and boats setting out from a harbour. Visually decadent, the form continues the theme with the handle as Aphrodite’s silken noose. The cylindrical form is embossed with the all-over ornament with planished ground, the shoulders are unadorned, the lip cut geometrically and the whole raised on four paw feet.
Markings: impressed on base, Toronto S P Company logo; shape no. 122 / Quadruple Plate
Condition: A period piece, it in Excellent Condition.
For Accuracy: it has been left in ‘as found’ condition, any polishing is being left to the buyer’s preference. The motifs and execution of this piece are notable and clearly indicate why the Toronto C P Co deserves to be recognized for their high caliber wares.
Notes: Aestheticism sought to incorporate imaginative ‘artistic’ objects into daily life in a self-conscious attempt to elevate the enjoyment of our made surroundings through beauty.
