A unique hand raised silver and gilt 'Poseidon Loving Cup' inset with gems and pearlsSteve Wager, London 2022, marked for Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee and the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths Tall cylindrical form, the interior gilt polished, the whole in silver and 18 carat gilt, hand raised and chased, topped by a lift-off cover surmounted by a realistically cast gilded hermit crab holding a large baroque pearl mounted within its' shell, two gilt 'Fish of Peace' beneath, atop a plain polished domed cover surrounded by classical columned windows with gilded recesses, the main drinking bowl featuring two prominent drinking spouts, embossed octopi on each surrounded by waves, set against a textured ground; the gilded stem created using a hammered seaweed design of flowing folded form, with applied cast shells and four sinuous salmon swimming in and out of the upper strands, to either side a handle, one of Neptune the other a Mermaid, both holding a shell aloft inset with a pearl, wrapped around their bodies shell belts, Neptune's crown mounted with facetted semi-precious stones including aquamarine, peridot, tourmaline, rubellite, topaz, amethyst and sapphire, his trident handle oxidised, the Mermaid's net grasped in her lowered hand and created with oxidised twisted silver wire, soldered together with small cast shells taken from a beach in Western France, both figures with curving fish tails enhanced by scales; all atop a pedestal base of four 'Fish of Peace', gilt swagged seaweed beneath centred by eight sea urchin shells inset with cabochon topaz, sapphire, cornelian, amber, aquamarine, amethyst and peridot, on a plain circular base, the underside embossed with two swimming sharks, fitted in bespoke wooden case with handle, height 56cm, weight total 103oz.Footnotes:The 'Poseidon Loving Cup' was produced in the second part of the UK's Covid-19 lockdown, being entirely handcrafted by the renowned goldsmith Steve Wager in his workshop in Camberwell, London. It was a true 'passion' project, showcasing Wager's belief that fine Baroque style craftmanship can still be created today. His imagination and skill were let loose, for once free of the normal time and commercial constraints that ordinarily govern our lives. This elaborate masterpiece therefore took Wager over 500 hours to produce, and was a gift to himself - a culmination of all his years of training, with his prowess embodied in one magnificent piece of workmanship that ordinarily would not have been created. So who is the person behind this inspired achievement? Steve Wager has over 40 years' experience as a Goldsmith / Silversmith and Jeweller. At the age of 12 he began learning his craft, an opportunity initially provided by an after school club in East London, inspirationally taught by a Huguenot silversmith named Keith Tjaden. Wager discovered his artistic vocation and subsequently went on to further study at the 'St John Cass School of Art'. Afterwards, to hone his skillset further, Wager committed to a five-year apprenticeship with Algernon Asprey; he had the rare honour of being the only apprentice banded to a member of the Asprey family. He worked for over 25 years with the Asprey family in Bond Street, where he mastered a wealth of experience in chasing, box making, forging, hammering, raising and mounting. On leaving Asprey's, Steve Wager established his own company 'S.E.W. Ltd', which was set up in 2003. Wager is a Freeman of the City of London and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, and is also a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths and the Society of Designer Craftsmen. As such, Wager has been the craftsman behind such prestigious projects as the Cricket World Cup, the Ryder Cup, trophies for the Royal Ascot races and League Cup, and carried out repairs to the FA Cup. He has also created commissions for H.R.H. the Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal Family; the Sultans of Brunei and Oman, amongst other prominent clients. His work over the years has mostly consisted of one-off pieces for private clients, which are rarely seen or published. He often cites that his work is 'a calling not a job'. Wager has lovingly hand worked this piece, using the same skills and tools that would have been used over the passing centuries. This 'Poseidon Loving Cup' is therefore truly a 'one off', representing Steve Wager's passion for his 'calling' to a craft he has dedicated his life's work to.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
