Modernist Pomegranate Sculpture in Rose Gold Gilt or Copper-Finish Silver
Decorative Object / Paperweight · Unknown Contemporary Artisan. The form is highly reminiscent of pieces produced by Persian/Iranian silver workshops or Israeli designers such as Hazorfim or Bier Silversmiths, who frequently utilize the pomegranate motif.
Pattern: Modernist Botanical - Pomegranate. This is a non-patterned, representational sculptural piece designed for tabletop display.
Type
Decorative Object / Paperweight
Maker
Unknown Contemporary Artisan. The form is highly reminiscent of pieces produced by Persian/Iranian silver workshops or Israeli designers such as Hazorfim or Bier Silversmiths, who frequently utilize the pomegranate motif.
Material
The item appears to be Silver Plate or Vermeil (Gold over Silver) with a heavy copper-toned or rose-gold tarnish. Based on typical decorative silver of this style, it is likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver (.800+) that has been electroplated or chemically treated to achieve the warm reddish hue.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) in diameter. Weight is likely significant, between 150-300 grams depending on whether the piece is weighted (filled with pitch/wax) or solid-gauge hollowware.
Description
This striking silver pomegranate captures the organic beauty of the fruit through a lens of modern minimalism. The bulbous, weighted body transitions into a sharply defined crown, providing a tactile and visually compelling form. The current finish displays a rich, sunset-hued patina that suggests high silver content beneath a rose-gold or copper-colored wash, making it an evocative piece of tabletop art.
Key Features
Stylized five-pointed calyx; seamless spherical body; high-gloss reflective finish; cultural symbolic form representing fertility and abundance.
Material & Composition
The item appears to be Silver Plate or Vermeil (Gold over Silver) with a heavy copper-toned or rose-gold tarnish. Based on typical decorative silver of this style, it is likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver (.800+) that has been electroplated or chemically treated to achieve the warm reddish hue.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a naturalistic but stylized 'crown' (calyx). The surface shows significant oxidation and iridescent tarnish (patina) causing the deep sunset-orange and purple hues of the silver sulfide layer. It lacks applied decoration, relying on the sleek, bulbous form for visual impact.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not visible in the provided image. They would typically be located on the flat base or tucked under the edge of the calyx. Expected marks for this type are '925', a city mark, or a maker's hallmark signature stamp.
Construction Details
Likely made via heavy electroforming or spinning/raising techniques. The calyx appears to be cast separately and seamlessly soldered or 'lost-wax' cast as a single sculptural unit. The smooth, join-free body indicates high-quality modernist manufacturing.
Functional Features
Primarily decorative; functions as a heavy paperweight or a symbolic centerpiece element (often used in Rosh Hashanah or Noruz traditions).
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - The item is a sculptural object without handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent symmetry and surface tension. The lack of visible seams indicates a high level of finish work and skilled hand-polishing after the initial casting.
Authentication Indicators
Form and reflective properties are consistent with high-buffed silver or silver-gilt. The iridescent tarnish pattern is a classic indicator of genuine silver alloy reacting to atmospheric sulfur.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Middle Eastern or Mediterranean origin (Iran, Israel, or Turkey), where the pomegranate is a central cultural symbol. Manufacturing involves a mix of traditional casting and modern industrial polishing.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th Century (post-1980). The minimalist, organic-modernist aesthetic is characteristic of global silver design from the 1990s to the present.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2015. The degree of tarnish and the specific style of the remote control in the background suggest it has been in a domestic environment for several decades.
Cultural Significance
The pomegranate is a pan-cultural symbol of life, regeneration, and wealth. In silver form, it bridges the gap between traditional religious iconography and contemporary art-silver.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The piece shows significant surface oxidation (tarnish) and 'spotting,' likely from oily fingerprints left on the surface which reacted with the metal over time. No major dents or structural deformities are visible. Overall Grade: Good (could be restored to Excellent with professional polishing).
Value Estimate
$150 - $450 USD. Value depends heavily on confirming if the piece is Sterling Silver or Silver Plate, and the presence of a prestigious maker's mark.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver foam (like Wright’s Silver Cream) and a soft microfiber cloth to remove the heavy oxidation. Avoid abrasive 'dip' cleaners which can strip the rose-gold finish if it is a plated layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. produced botanical 'paperweight' fruits, though they are usually more anatomically detailed. Michael Aram produces similar botanical designs, though these are typically in nickel-plate or bronze rather than precious silver.
Interesting Facts
In many cultures, silver pomegranates are gifted during housewarmings or weddings to symbolize prosperity. In Jewish tradition, the pomegranate is said to have 613 seeds, corresponding to the 613 mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah.