William Spratling (American, 1900-1967)
Chalice/Goblet, c. 1956-1962
sterling silver
3 ¼” high x 3” diameter
124.3 gm
Description: A sterling silver drinking cup raised on a distinctive twisted ball columnar stem further supported by a slightly domed pad foot designed by noted artist William Spratling (American, 1900-1967). The modernist diagonal wires first make an appearance in a letter opener for the Spratling’s Alaskan project of 1949 and are incorporated as columnar supports in a series of drinking vessels introduced shortly thereafter. This lower form is rare compared to scarce wine goblets or tall compote like champagnes.
“The true color of silver is white, the same color as extreme heat and extreme cold. It is also the same color as the first food received by an infant and it is the color of light. Its very malleability is an invitation to work it. It lends itself to the forming of objects in planes and in three dimensions of great desirability, objects to be done by hand in precious metals.” ~William Spratling, Artes de Mexico
Markings: impressed on base with a ‘WS’ Script
Condition: Vintage, Excellent
For Accuracy: a vintage item it may show expected light signs of age. The silver is of a quality gauge and the patina is warm and rich.
Reference: This design was included in the 1965 travelling US Museum Exhibition, ‘The World of William Spratling’ organized by John Leeper director of the museum in San Antonio. It is also referenced in a handful of volumes on the artist including ‘William Spratling’ y Ruby N Castrejon, ‘Spratling’ FundacionCultural Televisia, ‘Mexican Silver’ Foundation Europalia 93, ‘La Plateria Mexicana’ Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia, ‘Spratling Silver: A Field Guide – Recognizing a William Spratling Treasure’ by Phyllis Goddard
