SILVER “TEMBLADERA” OR TASTEVIN. 1739.
Antiques - Miscellaneous / Silver Works
Reference: Z5831
Pair of silver wine glasses. 1739. (Together with Ref.z5829) Without contrasting marks. With inscription on the front. Both identical, each one is made up of a circular bowl with a smooth mouth and a smaller diameter bottom decorated with two S-shaped handles and an inscription on the outer edge that reads: "I am from the noble council of Santiux, presented to us by our neighbor Jul de las Cuevas Zeballos in the year 1739." In Spanish silverwork, the Baroque tendencies were maintained during almost the first two thirds of the 18th century, except in the capital, where Rococo forms were introduced without displacing the previous ones. It was not until 1740 when French silversmiths introduced these innovations in Madrid, which would slowly spread to the rest of the centres, depending on the area and the masters. This survival of the 17th century forms can be seen in the handles of the tembladera: the grotesques with human heads are highlighted by very lively plant motifs, a decorative abundance that contrasts with the clean lines of the rest of the work but which is common in this type of work. The lack of hallmarks does not allow the work or the artist to be located, although this is precisely what speaks in favour of a secondary silver centre, where the lack of control of these works was more common due to the lack of masters and the means to ensure compliance with the marking regulations. Throughout these first two thirds of the 18th century, the certain monotony of the centres of Old Castile (to which Cantabria belonged), León and Galicia was notable in comparison with the importance of Valladolid and Salamanca, which is why they were perhaps made in the Cantabrian environment. The inscription clarifies the purpose of the quaking stones: they were a gift to the Council of Santiurde de Reinosa (Cantabria) from Juan de las Cuevas Ceballos, a native of this town and resident of El Puerto de Santa María de Cádiz who, in addition, proved his nobility in 1733 before the Hall of the Hijosdalgo of the Royal Chancery of Valladolid. They are therefore two pieces made for civil use, a detail that increases their importance due to the scarcity of this type of work.
· Size: 15x11x6.5 cms.
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