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Pair of ginger jars
Silver-gilt
Origin: Probably London
Date: c. 1660-1670
41.9 cm height; 23 cm width
Provenance: Sir Ernest Cassel
On loan from a private collection; LI.1050.2; LI.1050.3
The form of these jars is derived from Chinese porcelain. The embossing may be the work of an immigrant craftsman.
These pieces form part of an important silver collection formed by Sir Ernest Cassel (1852-1921). Cassel was a German immigrant who reportedly arrived in England at the age of 17 with no more than a bag of clothes and a violin. Within fifteen years he was one of the most prominent financiers in Europe, contributing hugely to Britain’s prosperity prior to the First World War. He was made private financial advisor and treasurer to King Edward VII in 1902