Antique Australian sterling silver inkwell attributed to Julius Schomburgk

Here is a truly exceptional and rare piece of early Australian silver work that captures the essence of Australia flora and fauna and is breathtaking to admire from every angle that it is viewed.

Made in the 1870’s, the set is made from sterling silver with three emu eggs with the two sides ones having have been made into inkwells. The tops of these are gorgeous with one having a kangaroo and the other an emu, while the third egg has a lyre bird sitting atop.

And in the centre is a magnificent and highly detailed tree fern with an oxidized sterling silver Aboriginal man in a classic hunting scene facing towards two kangaroos, with another kangaroo to the other side.

Adorned with further plants and ferns, this is truly a breathtaking piece and one that was made by an expert silversmith. Attributed to Julius Schomburgk who was one of many German immigrants who arrived in Australia in the 19th Century, the work in this piece is typical of his work and he made many pieces for the esteemed silversmiths Henry Steiner and Joachim Wendt.

Set on an ebony base that measures 56cm by 35cm, the silver section measures 44cm by 23.2cm by 27.5cm to the top of the tree, or 34cm from the base of the ebony to the top of the tree.

A true museum piece – and not a phrase that is used lightly, this is a wonderful and historic piece of early Australia at its finest.

Stock# ES9284

Maker: (Attributed to) Julius Schomburgk

Circa: 1870

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