ARGENT has many items that were previously owned by royalty, aristocracy and iconic families throughout history.
One of these is a set of Elephant & Rhinoceros with Exotic Riders perfume burners that were commissioned by the Rothschild family in the 18th century.
The elephant is modelled with a seated Empress wearing a headdress, bird, flower and leaf robes, who is escorted by a mahout rider.
The rhinoceros with his armour-plated body, is based on the famous woodcut by Albrecht Durer in 1515. She has an almost exact seated dignitary and mahout as well as a similar pillow and is raised on a later onyx plinth.
The rhino is called Clara and is based on the first white rhino to arrive in Europe in 1741 which created decades of ‘rhinomania’ since many believed that her horn was magical.
Together, they represent power, wisdom, life fulfillment and fortune, that is said to extend to protect the owner too. The late Queen of England Elizabeth II, for example, owns the only other Elephant in the world from this set and it is kept at Windsor castle, with a replica in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
‘Secrets of Silver’ Workshop
Learn about signature pieces from the most sought after silversmith Paul Storr, who revolutionised British antique silver and created a trend that was beloved by King George III, the aristocracy and set the stage for silver for hundreds of years to come.
Contact illiana@argent-silver.com to book a session.
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