Exquisite Whiting Japanese Aesthetic Sugar Sifter

Whiting's "Japanese" is one of the most successful patterns that that company evolved. It was patented in 1874. The design closely parallels Tiffany's Japanese (aka Audubon) and John Wendt's Bird, all of the same period and all popular. This 6 1/4" long sugar sifter is an exquisite example of the pattern in an appealing form. The pattern is multi-motif, the central feature of which is a bird. This creature has a tufted and lengthy tail, no doubt immediately recognizable to those who know birds. It is set amid bamboo and foliage of a sort that befits the aesthetic taste with its oriental inspiration. The bowl is round, and scallop shell form. It also has period engraving on the interior. There are also traces of an original gold wash on the bowl. The backside of the handle is inscribed in script, "1878 - Mr. & Mrs. G.H. - 1903, Pres. by, E Goldsmit." Chances are this was a treasured item passed on for a 25th wedding anniversary. The condition is superb. There is no polishing wear; the pattern detail is crisp and clear. The bowl is free of dings or burrs. Marks are the Whiting lion with an "I" and and "A" beside and below it respectively, and the words Sterling and Pat. 1874.