Fish Slice
1990 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In this piece shape and decoration are indivisible, the organic essence of the piece is captured through the whip-lash line of the handle, long and split which culminates in two waved pieces of gold. A dynamism and vitality is conjured through the subtle flattening of the handle and the handle tail, curved like delicate propellers. The forged, unpierced blade is honestly functional, offsetting the subtle organic evocations of the handle. The thin blade, whip-lash handle and high polish of this piece create a refreshing lightness.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Sterling silver with 14k gold |
| Brief description | Silver and 14 carat gold, USA, Seattle, 1990, designed and made by John Marshall. |
| Physical description | The forged, unpierced blade is in the form of a late 19th century cake. It has a raised apron, to the edge of which is attached a long, split, forged handle. The handle pair is somewhat flattened to make a hand grip and terminates in two waved gold trailing pieces. The bio-organic sentiment of the handle supports the artist's designation of this article as a fish slice, notwithstanding the blade shape. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Inscribed: JM for John Marshall |
| Gallery label | This collection of silver slices, all commissioned over a period of twenty years by Professor Benton Seymour Rabinovitch FRS, is proof of the skill and diversity of contemporary silversmiths. Each artist craftsman has responded to the familiar functional form of the slice in an individual way, producing an astonishingly diverse range of interpretations. Each piece becomes an enchanting, decorative work of art. Professor Rabinovitch established a close rapport with each artist, always encouraging a freedom of creative expression. The response of these silversmiths has been not only to be strikingly imaginative but also to honour him by giving him their best work.
This collection is testimony to the significant contribution that one individual can make to supporting the craft of silversmithing. After commissioning work from some of the most illustrious names in British and North American silversmithing, Professor Rabinovitch has very generously donated his entire collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum, through the American Friends of the V&A.(2005) |
| Credit line | Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Professor B. Seymour Rabinovitch |
| Object history | Historical significance: John Marshall aims to work within the constraints of his design, allowing the structural concept to grow from the design brief. The confidence in his designs reflect his skills as a craftsman, exemplified in the delicacy and elegance of this piece. |
| Historical context | Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers. |
| Summary | In this piece shape and decoration are indivisible, the organic essence of the piece is captured through the whip-lash line of the handle, long and split which culminates in two waved pieces of gold. A dynamism and vitality is conjured through the subtle flattening of the handle and the handle tail, curved like delicate propellers. The forged, unpierced blade is honestly functional, offsetting the subtle organic evocations of the handle. The thin blade, whip-lash handle and high polish of this piece create a refreshing lightness. |
| Bibliographic reference | Benton Seymour Rabinovitch and Helen Clifford, Contemporary Silver, commissioning, designing, collecting, London, Merrell, 2000, pp. 130-131. ill. ISBN. 1858941040 |
| Other number | LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.135-2005 - previous loan number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.108-2008 |
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| Record created | July 10, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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