Large nephrite, obsidian, and silver-gilt centrepiece bowl by Asprey

This exquisite oval-shaped centrepiece bowl was manufactured by Asprey, the leading producer and retailer of luxury goods and fine jewellery.

The bowl is beautifully crafted from deep green nephrite. It is decorated on both ends with twin silver-gilt horse head handles. The animal’s heads are facing away from each other, their head positions creating easy-to-hold handles. The obsidian base is mounted on both ends with silver gilt, accentuating the division between the separate parts of the piece. Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass which forms naturally from the rapid cooling of lava. Historically, obsidian was used to make cutting tools and arrow heads, it possesses protective powers against negative energy.

All silver-gilt features are superbly cast, depicting fine details such as the horse’s hair, and muscles as well as the textured design on the base.  

The underside of the obsidian base is leather lined, providing a smooth surface. The leather is embossed in gold ‘Asprey London’, making this piece an especially desirable work coming from the Asprey firm. Both handles are signed and hallmarked.