Archibald Knox

comprising coffee pot, milk jug, sugar basin and two-handled tray

John Jesse, London, 1990

Liberty Style, Parco Gallery, Tokyo, 1983
The Liberty Style, Metropolitan Teien Museum of Art, Tokyo, June 12-July 25, 1999, followed by a tour to six different museums in Japan through June 2000

Liberty Silver Sketch Book, Westminster City Archives, n.d., p. 410, no. 5103 (for the coffee pot)
Victor Arwas, Liberty Style, Tokyo, 1983, p. 133, no. S.78 (for the present example illustrated without tray)
The Liberty Style, exh. cat., Japan Art & Culture Association, Tokyo, 1999, p. 127, no. 203 (for the present example illustrated)
Stephen A. Martin, Archibald Knox, London, 2001, p. 202 (for the present example illustrated)

Overall in very good condition. All of the silver surfaces present with rich and weighty silvering, accented by vibrant turquoise cabochons. A very elegant and refined service. The surfaces with very minor surface scratches, minute areas of discoloration and minor surface dirt concentrated to the recessed areas of the design and cabochon surrounds. The coffee pot handle was originally ivory and has been replaced with ivorine at some point in the history of the piece. There are a few, scattered light dings along the spout and upper handle of the coffee pot. The milk jug with a few, very light dings to the handle. The tray with a very faint area of discoloration at the center, consistent with age and genle use. There are two minor, shallow scratches to one handle and very minor scattered pitting to each handle. The turquoise set in each piece appears original and undisturbed. The coloration of the turquoise is even richer and more saturated when viewed firsthand. An outstanding example displaying superb scale, decoration and color.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Knox reserved some of his most modern design tendencies for a series of three tea and coffee services.  In all of them he eschewed any surface decoration, preserving instead their simplicity and elegance of line and form.  This present version created in 1904 is Knox’s most delicate and personal with gently swelling silhouettes that exude a welcoming, almost feminine, presence.  To break the sheen of the silver and create deeper visual engagement, Knox uses strategically placed turquoise cabochons rather than enamel plaques, thus preserving its strong modernist presentation while pleasing the eye. 

DR. STEPHEN A. MARTIN