Artist Signed High Relief Tulips and Poppies

Description

The inkwell features a robust, heavy-gauge solid silver body characterized by a planished (hammered) finish. This technique creates a faceted surface that catches and diffuses light beautifully, providing a handcrafted, artisanal texture.

The piece is designed with a broad, slightly domed shoulder that leads to a hinged lid. This lid is surmounted by a striking floral finial in the shape of a blooming flower, a poppy or a stylized rose, which serves as a decorative handle. The interior reveals a cobalt blue glass liner.

The body is supported by three scroll legs. These legs are heavily embellished in high relief with a botanical program featuring:

• Tulips in various stages of bloom.
• Detailed flower heads (possibly poppies, given the center detail).
• Flowing leaf and foliate decoration that wraps around the base of the bowl.

Hallmarks and Identification

Based on the clear marks, the provenance is well-documented:

• Maker’s Mark (“WW BT”): This stands for Walter Walker & Brownfield Tolhurst, the principals of the renowned firm Johnson, Walker & Tolhurst Ltd.
• Lion Passant: The “walking lion” confirms it is Sterling Silver (.925 purity).
• Leopard’s Head: The assay office mark for London.
• Date Letter “h”: Precisely dates the piece to 1903.

The “Moria” Signature

The signature found on the shoulder of the inkwell is that of Blanche Adèle Moria (1859–1927), a distinguished French sculptor and medalist.

• Context: It was common for high-end London silversmiths like Johnson, Walker & Tolhurst to collaborate with famous sculptors and artists of the period. Moria was a celebrated artist who exhibited at various Salons in Paris and received commissions for medals and large-scale monuments.
• Artistic Style: The “high relief” decoration of tulips and poppies on this inkwell is characteristic of her sculptural background. The fact that her signature is followed by “1903” confirms that she designed (and likely modeled) the piece in the exact year it was assayed in London.

The Underside Inscription

The address impressed on the underside of the base reads:

JOHNSON, WALKER & TOLHURST LTD 172, NEW BOND ST. LONDON W.

New Bond Street was then, and remains today, one of the most prestigious retail locations in London. This firm was a high-end jeweler and silversmith known for showcasing the work of avant-garde artists. They are particularly famous in the silver world for their early support and exhibitions of the Arts and Crafts silversmith Gilbert Marks. This inkwell follows in that same tradition of “Artist-Designed” silver.

Summary of the Piece

• Designer: Blanche Adèle Moria (Signed).
• Maker: Walter Walker & Brownfield Tolhurst (Johnson, Walker & Tolhurst Ltd).
• Date: 1903 (Edwardian / Art Nouveau period).
• Assay: London (Leopard’s Head).
• Purity: .925 Sterling Silver (Lion Passant).
• Features: Planished (hammered) body, cobalt blue glass liner, and cast high-relief botanical scroll legs.