Minneapolis Institute of Art

Lap-Over-Edge Flatware

Designer: Charles T. Grosjean; Tiffany & Co.; Caster: Joseph Rodgers and Sons (knife blades)

Date

1880

Medium

Silver, gold, copper, and bronze

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This opulently naturalistic flatware incorporates Japanese motifs such as plants, flowers, insects, and animals. Edward C. Moore, Tiffany's head designer from 1869-1891, had admired Japanese art and design at the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris, and began working with his designer Grosjean to incorporate Japanese motifs into Tiffany's projects. Dozens of different animal and plant forms were applied in gold, copper, and bronze decoration over sterling silver. The distinctive texture and decoration continue on the reverse of each piece, giving the set its Lap-over-edge name. United States, Americas

The authoritative record is held by Minneapolis Institute of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.