Filigree work is a distinctive style in which silver or gold wire is bent into swirls and circles to form various designs. The technique is not extremely difficult but it requires an immense amount of patience. Even a skilled silversmith must devote many hours to make an item in this style.
We find little use of this technique in those countries where wage rates are fairly high, but it is used extensively in those countries where wage rates are low.
The result of this extensive work is a very light lacy effect. Cast and machine made versions of this technique are available, but with a little experience these are easily differentiated from the real thing. A more extensive treatment of this subject is found at filigree techniques.
The right and left spoons are probably Mexican design. The center piece is custom made and may be either South American or Asian.
These two pieces are unmarked but most likely Chinese in origin. They are exceptionally finely made. Following photo's will show closeups of bowls.
Note the very fine workmanship which is visible in these photos. The quality of workmanship is far superior to the quality of the photo.
This spoon is of Peruvian origin. The llama is a favorite device. The bowl on this spoon is a large silver coin about the size of a silver dollar. Only a closeup of the filigree work is shown.
Very
unusual type of filigree work
Rather interesting filigree demi spoon. Note the filigree design in the bowl, so obviously this was designed for some type of straining. Also notice the two duck heads in the middle of the stem. no marks. This spoon may be from one of the Arab countries.
nice 9" cake server with a n 1898 Peruvian coin surrounded by good filigree work
RETURN TO SPOON WORLD HOME PAGE