Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Silver Plated Demitasse Set From Wurttembergische Metallvarenfabrik- 9 Pieces

Art Nouveau Silver vessels are appreciated for the fine craftsmanship and beautiful design that reflect the elegance and refinement of the Belle Epoque period which took place between 1890 and 1910. The period was short, but the silver vessels and flatware produced from that time are highly prized and collectible. The beauty of the silverware was unsurpassed. In order to express beautiful florid designs that are expressive and intricate, artists craftsmen preferred to work in metals plated with silver because it was more malleable. The intricate patterns would be impossible in sterling. Therefore the value of art nouveau silver is not measured by its silver contents but for the elegance of the designs.

This set of coffee pot and cups on a tray was purchased in Paris in the early 2000’s. The maker WMFB -WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLVARENFABRIK from Germany is best known for flatware and napkin rings. The maker’s mark also included AS and 1/0.
AS could be the maker and 1/0 can be interpreted as One of a Kind.

The art nouveau silver set consists of a tall pot and 6 cups set on a tray. The silver tray has a beautiful floriated shape with raised rims to keep the cups in place. The rim has flowers done in repousse and at each end are inscribed flower designs. Each cup has an iris flower on a stem with leaves. The standing pot is decorated with irises encircling the vessel. The handle has a very elegant shape and the cover is held in place by an unique mechanism that functions efficiently as well as being esthetically pleasing.

Although the set is diminutive in size, overall measurement is 9 inches by 13 inches, its beauty shines through and definitely not overwhelming as a traditional tea set.
It also works well to hold hot Sake and the cups can be used as Sake cups.

Tray: 13 inches wide, 8 inches deep, 1 1/4 inch high
Coffee pot: 3 3/4 inches diameter, 9 inches high
Cup: diameter of mouth 1 5/8 inches, diameter of base 1 1/4 inches, 1 7/8 inches high